Dir. Lise Akoka, Romane Gueret, 2022, France, 99 min
With Mallory Wanecque, Timéo Mahaut, Johan Heldenbergh, Loïc Pech
In French with English subtitles

A New York Times Critic’s Pick!

Winner, Un Certain Regard Prize, 2022 Cannes Film Festival
Nominee, Best Film, 2022 César Awards

Set in the suburbs of Boulogne-Sur-Mer in northern France, The Worst Ones is a film within a film that follows the production of a feature whose director turns to the local housing project for casting. Looking for performances of gritty authenticity, the director selects four working class teenagers—angering community members who question his choice of “the worst ones.” As the director and crew audition and interact with their cast, ethical questions arise, with thought-provoking and sometimes darkly funny results.

“Critic’s Pick! Luminously photographed and nimbly edited… offers a provocative critique of filmmaking practices.” — The New York Times

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