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The Worst Ones

Directed by Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret

Release: 2023
Runtime: 99
Country: France
Language: French with English subtitiles

Set in the suburbs of Boulogne-Sur-Mer in northern France, The Worst Ones captures a film within a film as it follows the production of a feature whose director turns to the local Cité Picasso housing project for casting. Eager to capture performances of gritty authenticity, the director selects four working class teenagers to act in the film to the surprise and consternation of the local community, who question the director’s choice of “the worst ones.” As the director and crew audition, rehearse, film, and interact with their hand-picked cast, jealousies are stoked, lines are crossed, and ethical questions arise, with thought-provoking and at times darkly funny results. Winner of the top prize in the Un Certain Regard section of the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, The Worst Ones announces directors Lise Akoka and Romane Gueret as exciting new voices in French cinema.

Reviews More Reviews

"Critic’s Pick! Luminously photographed and nimbly edited... offers a provocative critique of filmmaking practices."

– Lisa Kennedy, The New York Times

“Thought-provoking and darkly funny… a fascinating look at the filming experience.”

– Anna Smith, Deadline

“Carried by very engaging young performers… the film has a real heart that beats wildly.”

– Fabian Lemercier, Cineuropa

"Limber French filmmaking… with dark humor and occasionally confrontational candor. Find[s] artistry and honor where others tend not to look."

– Guy Lodge, Variety

“Deeply insightful... a remarkable achievement of filmmaking and human compassion.”

– Mina Takla, Awards Watch

“A self-aware film that features sensitive performances, a touching emotional arc, and compelling commentary on the social responsibilities of filmmakers.”

– Jaden S. Thompson, Harvard Crimson

“The film is made compelling by its own immaculate casting.”

– Amber Wilkinson, Eye for Film

“Sensitive, intelligent filmmaking.”

– Chris Mello, In Review Online

“Akoka and Gueret find sharp insights in the imposition of a film shoot on those involved… an incredible addition to the canon."

– Stephen Saito, The Moveable Fest

Awards & Festivals

New York Times Critic's Pick
Cannes Grand Prize Winner - Un Certain Regard

Gallery

A scene from The Worst Ones, courtesy Kino Lorber
A scene from The Worst Ones, courtesy Kino Lorber
A scene from The Worst Ones, courtesy Kino Lorber
A scene from The Worst Ones, courtesy Kino Lorber
A scene from The Worst Ones, courtesy Kino Lorber
The Worst Ones directors Romane Gueret and Lise Akoka, courtesy Kino Lorber

Press & Exhibitors

Below please find additional information and promotional materials for this film. Use the buttons on the left to request to book this film for theatrical or educational/community screenings.

For all press requests, please contact us at [email protected].

Technical Info

  • Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
  • Color: Color

Press & Promotion:

playdates

Venue City Date
Aspen Film Aspen 1695873600September 28 - September 30, 2023
Bear Tooth Theatrepub Anchorage 1684728000May 22, 2023
Cinema Paradiso Hollywood 1685073600May 26 - June 1, 2023
Cinema St. Louis St. Louis 1684468800May 19 - May 21, 2023
Cleveland Cinematheque Cleveland 1684987200May 25 - May 28, 2023
DeBartolo Performing Arts Center Notre Dame 1681963200April 20 - April 22, 2023
Denver Film / Sie FilmCenter Denver 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023
FIAF New York 1696305600October 3, 2023
FilmScene Iowa City 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023
Gateway Film Center Columbus 1686283200June 9 - June 15, 2023
Gateway Film Center Columbus 1686283200June 9 - June 15, 2023
Gene Siskel Film Center Chicago 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023
Laemmle Theatres Los Angeles 1680840000April 7 - April 13, 2023
Mayfair Theatre Ottawa 1685073600May 26 - June 1, 2023
Metro Cinema Edmonton 1680235200March 31 - April 4, 2023
Oklahoma City Museum of Art Oklahoma City 1689480000July 16, 2023
Quad Cinema New York 1679630400March 24 - April 1, 2023
Ross Media Arts Center Lincoln 1682654400April 28 - May 11, 2023
Sudbury Indie Cinema Sudbury 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023
The Clairidge Montclair 1681444800April 14 - April 27, 2023
The Little Theatre Rochester 1680235200March 31 - April 6, 2023
Zeitgeist Theatre Arabi 1682049600April 21 - May 4, 2023