Nouvelle Vague Trailer Sparks Excitement for Linklater's French New Wave Homage

The recently released Nouvelle Vague Trailer from Netflix dives into the vibrant chaos of 1959 Paris, reimagining the production of Jean-Luc Godard's groundbreaking Breathless.

Directed by Richard Linklater, this dramedy captures the rebellious spirit that defined the French New Wave, blending humor, nostalgia, and sharp insights into filmmaking's magic.

With its black-and-white visuals and a stellar cast, the trailer has cinephiles buzzing about a fresh take on cinema history. Dive into this breakdown for all the key details and what makes it a standout.

What Is the Plot of Nouvelle Vague?

Nouvelle Vague follows young Jean-Luc Godard as he transitions from film critic to director, securing funding for his low-budget feature inspired by a treatment with François Truffaut.

The story centers on the on-set antics during the shoot of Breathless, highlighting the mix of fresh talent and creative improvisation that birthed one of cinema's most influential films.

As Godard breaks rules and sparks tensions, the narrative explores themes of youthful rebellion and the transformative power of art. The trailer teases electric moments of spontaneity, like heated debates and stolen glances, setting up a tale that's equal parts witty and poignant.

Who Stars in This Love Letter to Cinema?

The ensemble brings iconic figures to life with charm and intensity. Guillaume Marbeck embodies the visionary Godard, channeling his intellectual fire and rule-breaking flair.

Zoey Deutch shines as Jean Seberg, capturing her character's frustration and allure in lines like, "I might just walk out on you and your film." Aubry Dullin steps into Jean-Paul Belmondo's cool charisma, adding swagger to the gangster-couple dynamic.

Supporting roles include Adrien Rouyard, Antoine Besson, Jodie Ruth Forest, Bruno Dreyfürst, Benjamin Clery, and Matthieu Penchinat as cinematographer Raoul Coutard, rounding out a cast that feels authentically period-specific yet vibrant.

How Does Richard Linklater Direct This Ode to the Past?

Linklater infuses the film with his signature blend of playfulness and depth, shooting entirely in Paris with a French crew and dialogue mostly in French. The black-and-white aesthetic evokes the era's grit, while his improvisational style mirrors the New Wave's DIY ethos.

Co-written by Holly Gent, Vincent Palmo Jr., Michèle Halberstadt, and Laetitia Masson, the script honors the movement's pioneers without rigid reenactment.

Produced by Laurent Pétin and Michèle Halberstadt, it premiered at Cannes on May 17, 2025, earning an 11-minute ovation and Netflix's $4 million acquisition in a heated bidding war.

Why Does the Trailer Capture the French New Wave So Well?

The Nouvelle Vague Trailer bursts with energy, opening on bustling Paris streets and jump cuts that nod to Breathless itself. Quick flashes of behind-the-scenes mayhem, like Godard sketching storyboards amid producer pushback, build a sense of joyful anarchy.

The score mixes jazzy undertones with tense strings, amplifying the creative friction. At just under two minutes, it avoids spoilers but hooks viewers with Deutch's exasperated quips and Marbeck's intense gaze, all in crisp black-and-white that screams authenticity.

Fans on platforms like Reddit call it a "cinephile's dream," praising how it balances reverence with fresh humor.

When and Where Can You Watch Nouvelle Vague?

The film hits select U.S. theaters on October 31, 2025, for a qualifying run before streaming exclusively on Netflix starting November 14, 2025.

In France, ARP Sélection releases it on October 8, 2025. This two-week theatrical window positions it for awards buzz, following its Cannes acclaim and a 71 Metascore from early critics.

Early reviews highlight its witty take on showbiz and pop culture, with two user reviews already praising the cerebral dramedy.

Some Closing Thoughts:

This trailer isn't just a preview; it's a spark that reignites passion for cinema's rebellious roots.

Whether you're a die-hard Linklater fan or discovering the New Wave for the first time, Nouvelle Vague promises a delightful romp through film history.

Mark your calendars for November 14 and get ready to fall in love with movies all over again.