Movie of the Day: June and John (2024) by Luc Besson

Link to watch: https://www.primevideo.com/detail?gti=amzn1.dv.gti.2421447a-3374-4975-ad60-aa389d26c6db&linkCode=xm2&tag=just03b-21 (France)

https://programmetv.ouest-france.fr/film/comedie-dramatique/june-and-john-c363710838/ (France)

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt20218618/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/luc-besson-film-june-and-john-release-details-1236304936/

About movie: https://www.canalplus.com/articles/cinema/june-john-luc-besson-revient-avec-une-romance-intime-et-audacieuse

Luc Besson's Secret Lockdown Project "June and John" Emerges as a Romantic Thriller

Filmed secretly on an iPhone in Los Angeles during the 2020 lockdown, Luc Besson's latest film, "June and John," is a romantic thriller that marks a return to a more intimate style for the acclaimed French director. Starring newcomers Matilda Price and Luke Stanton Eddy in the titular roles, the movie follows an unexpected connection that injects excitement and danger into an otherwise monotonous life.

About Movie (Detailed Summary)

"June and John" centers on John, a young man stuck in a routine and uneventful existence. His life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters June, a mysterious and vibrant woman, on the subway. This electrifying meeting sparks an intense and unpredictable romance that pulls John into a whirlwind of passion, risk, and self-discovery. Described as a race against the clock and the law, their burgeoning relationship transforms their mundane lives, infusing them with color, magic, and love. The film blends elements of romance and thriller, suggesting that their connection leads them down a dangerous path that challenges the boundaries of their ordinary world. The production's unique origin – shot discreetly on a smartphone during the pandemic – hints at a raw and resourceful filmmaking approach, potentially offering a different feel compared to Besson's larger-scale productions.

Plot Summary

A young man with a monotonous life meets a mysterious and fearless woman on a subway, leading to a whirlwind, unpredictable romance filled with passion, risk, and a race against the law.

Director's Vision

While a detailed director's statement on "June and John" is not widely available, Luc Besson's decision to shoot the film secretly on an iPhone during the 2020 lockdown suggests a desire for a more spontaneous and perhaps experimental filmmaking process. This approach could be seen as a return to the more independent and resourceful spirit of his earlier career. The focus on a passionate and risky romance, a theme present in some of his previous works like "Nikita" and "Léon: The Professional" (albeit in different contexts), indicates an interest in exploring intense human connections that lead to dramatic life changes. The blend of romance and thriller elements suggests a narrative that oscillates between the excitement of a new relationship and the danger it brings.

Themes

• The transformative Power of Love: The central theme revolves around how a chance encounter and a passionate connection can fundamentally alter a person's life.

• Escape from Monotony: The film explores the desire to break free from a routine existence and the unexpected ways in which excitement can enter one's life.

• Risk and Consequences: The thriller elements suggest that the intense romance leads to dangerous situations and a confrontation with the law.

• Self-Discovery: Through their shared experiences, John and June embark on a journey of learning more about themselves.

• Finding Color and Magic in Life: The film highlights how love and extraordinary events can bring vibrancy to an otherwise dull existence.

Key Success Factors

As "June and John" is just beginning its release, it is early to definitively identify key success factors. However, based on initial information and Luc Besson's reputation, potential factors for its success could include:

• Luc Besson's Name Recognition: Despite recent mixed reception for some films, Besson remains a well-known director with a global following.

• Intriguing Production Story: The unique circumstance of being filmed secretly on an iPhone during lockdown in Los Angeles adds a layer of interest and curiosity.

• Fresh Faces in Lead Roles: Introducing new talent in the central roles could bring a sense of discovery to the film.

• Blend of Romance and Thriller: This combination of genres can appeal to a broad audience.

• Potential Return to Besson's Signature Style: Early trailer descriptions suggest a return to the slick and stylized visuals often associated with his successful films.

Summary Short

Luc Besson's "June and John" is a 2024 romantic thriller secretly filmed on iPhone during lockdown, about a man whose monotonous life is transformed by a risky romance with a mysterious woman.

Critics Reception

As "June and John" is only starting its release in early 2025, comprehensive critical reception and reviews from a wide range of sources are not yet available. Initial mentions in news articles related to the trailer release describe the film and its production background but do not include detailed critical analysis. Once the film receives wider screenings and releases, more reviews will likely become available.

Reviews

Detailed reviews for "June and John" are not yet widely published as the film is just beginning its release. Information available primarily consists of plot descriptions and commentary on the film's unique production method and the director's return to a more intimate style.

Production

"June and John (2024)" is a French production directed, written, and produced by Luc Besson. The film was notably shot secretly on an iPhone in Los Angeles during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. The lead roles are played by newcomers Matilda Price and Luke Stanton Eddy. The film was produced by Luc Besson's company EuropaCorp in co-production with Kinology.

Production Companies

• EuropaCorp: (Country: France) - Production company.

• Kinology: (Country: France) - Co-production company.

Sales Companies

• Kinology: (Country: France) - Handles the international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies

• Ciné+ OCS: (Country: France) - Will make the film available on their platform.

• Specific theatrical distributors in various territories are being secured through Kinology's international sales efforts.

Release Date on Streaming

"June and John (2024)" is scheduled to be available on the French streaming platform Ciné+ OCS starting April 23, 2025. Information regarding streaming availability on other platforms or in other territories is not currently available.

Theatrical Release

"June and John (2024)" had its market premiere at the European Film Market in Berlin. A special screening is scheduled to take place at the Grand Rex in Paris on April 17, 2025, followed by a masterclass with Luc Besson. The film is also slated for theatrical releases in various territories in spring 2025, following deals made by its sales agent, Kinology. Specific dates and locations for these theatrical releases will be announced by local distributors.

Why to Recommend This Movie

• Intriguing Production Story: The film's origin as a secret iPhone project during lockdown is a unique aspect that will appeal to film enthusiasts.

• Luc Besson's Latest Work: For fans of Luc Besson's diverse filmography, this offers a new and potentially different kind of story from him.

• Discovery of New Talent: The film features newcomers in the lead roles, providing an opportunity to see fresh faces.

• Blend of Romance and Thriller: The combination of genres can offer an exciting and emotionally engaging viewing experience.

Why to Watch Movie

• Curiosity about the iPhone Filmmaking: To see how a director like Luc Besson utilizes a smartphone to create a feature film.

• Interest in Romantic Thrillers: If you enjoy stories that combine passionate relationships with elements of suspense and danger.

• To See Luc Besson's Return to a More Intimate Scale: For those interested in seeing Besson work outside of his typical big-budget action films.

What Movie Trend film is following

"June and John" taps into the trend of filmmaking with unconventional and accessible technology, specifically the use of smartphones for production. It also aligns with the ongoing appeal of romantic thrillers that explore the darker or more dangerous aspects of love and relationships. Additionally, the film's production during the pandemic connects it to a period where filmmakers explored creative solutions for shooting under restrictive circumstances.

What Big Social Trend is following

The film's themes of breaking free from routine and seeking exciting experiences can resonate with a social trend of desire for escape and adventure, particularly in the wake of periods of confinement or monotony. The focus on an intense and potentially all-consuming romance also aligns with the enduring social interest in passionate relationships and their transformative power.

Final Verdict

Luc Besson's "June and John" is a fascinating project born out of the unique circumstances of the 2020 lockdown. Its origin as a secretly filmed iPhone movie in Los Angeles immediately sets it apart. While concrete critical reception and broad audience reaction are yet to be seen as the film begins its release in early 2025, the premise of a routine life disrupted by a mysterious and risky romance, coupled with Besson's directorial involvement and the use of new lead actors, makes it a film of considerable interest. It represents a potential return to a more intimate scale for Besson and offers a glimpse into creative filmmaking under constraints. For viewers intrigued by its unconventional production, fans of Besson's work, or those seeking a romantic thriller with a unique backstory, "June and John" is a film worth keeping an eye on as it becomes more widely available.

Recommendations for Filmmakers

• Embrace Technological Innovation: Experimenting with accessible and unconventional technology can lead to creative breakthroughs and new aesthetic possibilities.

• Consider Resourceful Production Methods: Working with smaller crews and limited resources, as necessitated by the lockdown, can foster creativity and a focus on storytelling.

• Tell Stories That Resonate with Contemporary Experiences: While a romance, the film's origin in the lockdown implicitly connects it to a shared global experience of disruption and changed routines.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Films with Unconventional Origins: Recognize that compelling stories and innovative filmmaking can emerge from unexpected production circumstances.

• Invest in Diverse Release Strategies: For films that may not fit the traditional wide theatrical model, exploring limited theatrical runs, VOD, and platform-specific releases can reach target audiences effectively.

• Highlight Unique Production Stories in Marketing: The "how it was made" can be a compelling hook for audiences interested in the filmmaking process.