Just an Illusion is a dramedy written and directed by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache. Known for their popular films, the duo returns with a story set in 1985, starring Louis Garrel, Camille Cottin, and Pierre Lottin. Produced by Nicolas Duval Adassovsky, the film is scheduled to hit theaters on April 15, 2026.
The story follows Vincent, who is approaching 13, as he navigates life in a Paris suburb within a middle-class family. Between a distant older brother and parents constantly at odds, he’s entering a pivotal moment in his adolescence. He’s no longer quite a child, but not yet an adult — caught in that in-between space where everything feels uncertain and shifting.
Over the months, Vincent begins to grapple with questions about identity, friendship, and family. Domestic tensions, debates about religion, and his first experiences with love all influence his perspective on the world. The film delves into adolescence as a landscape of uncertainty, where emerging beliefs clash with social and personal realities.
The official trailer will be released as soon as the distributor makes it available.
With this new project, Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache continue to explore themes of family and group dynamics, themes they've long championed in their filmography. Setting the story in 1985 allows them to revisit a time of significant cultural and political shifts, while maintaining an intimate focus on the threshold of adolescence.
The cast features Louis Garrel, Camille Cottin, and Pierre Lottin alongside a group of young actors, including Simon Boublil, Alexis Rosenstiehl, and Jeanne Lamartine. This multi-generational ensemble brings to life a coming-of-age story where even the adults are portrayed as grappling with their own vulnerabilities.
Marketed as a comedy exploring childhood moments when the hope of changing the world felt real rather than just an illusion, the film blends nostalgia with social commentary. It appeals to viewers who enjoy family chronicles and coming-of-age stories, following in the tradition of French cinema that focuses on personal journeys and intimate experiences.
Just an Illusion
Film | 2026
Release date in cinemas: April 15, 2026
Dramatic comedy | Duration: -
Directed by Éric Toledano and Olivier Nakache | Starring Louis Garrel, Camille Cottin, Pierre Lottin, Simon Boublil, Alexis Rosenstiehl, Jeanne Lamartine
Original title: Juste une illusion
Country: France
Looking back at the 1980s through the eyes of a young teenager, Just a Illusion offers a heartfelt reflection on the journey to adulthood. Through family conflicts and formative discoveries, the film explores how ideals are shaped and how childhood hopes often endure into adulthood.
To keep the movie magic going, check out the April film releases, explore the must-see movies of the moment, and browse our handpicked selection of French dramedies of the year.
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