About the Movie
Wild Diamond (Diamant Brut) is a 2024 French coming-of-age drama written and directed by Agathe Riedinger in her feature directorial debut. The film stars Malou Khebizi as Liane, a 19-year-old from Fréjus who dreams of fame through reality television. The narrative explores her obsession with beauty and the lure of instant stardom as she auditions for the reality show Miracle Island.
Plot Summary
Liane, a daring and ambitious 19-year-old, lives with her mother and younger sister in the sun-drenched town of Fréjus in the South of France. Convinced that fame is her only path to validation and success, she dedicates herself to perfecting her appearance, believing that reality TV will offer her the love and admiration she craves. When she auditions for Miracle Island, she embarks on a journey filled with hope, self-doubt, and the harsh realities of the entertainment industry. As she navigates the emotional highs and lows of chasing fame, Wild Diamond provides an intimate and critical look at a generation shaped by social media and reality television.
Director’s Vision
Agathe Riedinger expands upon themes explored in her 2017 short film J'attends Jupiter, offering a raw and intimate portrayal of a young woman consumed by the pursuit of fame. Through Liane’s story, Riedinger critiques modern beauty standards, the impact of reality TV, and the personal sacrifices made in search of recognition. Her direction combines realism with dreamlike cinematography, creating an immersive narrative that reflects contemporary anxieties about self-worth and validation.
Themes
Obsession with Appearance – Liane’s fixation on beauty underscores societal pressures on young women to conform to unrealistic standards.
Pursuit of Fame – The film examines the lengths individuals go to for public recognition and the impact of reality TV as a perceived gateway to success.
Family and Socioeconomic Struggles – Liane’s relationship with her mother and sister highlights the tensions of ambition within a working-class household.
Social Media and Reality TV Influence – Wild Diamond critiques the ways digital platforms amplify desires, insecurities, and self-worth.
Reality vs. Illusion – The narrative contrasts the glamorous facade of celebrity with the hidden costs of chasing public admiration.
Key Success Factors
Breakout Performance – Malou Khebizi delivers a compelling portrayal of Liane, bringing emotional depth and authenticity to the role.
Relevant Social Commentary – The film provides an incisive critique of contemporary beauty and fame culture.
Director’s Strong Debut – Riedinger establishes herself as an exciting new voice in French cinema.
Festival Recognition – Premiering at Cannes 2024 added credibility and anticipation around the film.
Cinematic Aesthetics – Noé Bach’s cinematography captures the sun-drenched yet melancholic world of Liane’s aspirations.
Short Summary
Wild Diamond follows Liane, a 19-year-old from Fréjus obsessed with beauty and stardom, as she auditions for a reality TV show, confronting societal pressures and personal ambitions along the way.
Awards and Nominations
Cannes Film Festival 2024
Nominated: Caméra d’Or (Best First Feature)
Official Selection: Un Certain Regard
César Awards 2025
Nominated: Best Female Revelation (Malou Khebizi)
Nominated: Best First Film (Agathe Riedinger)
Lumière Awards 2025
Nominated: Best Female Revelation (Malou Khebizi)
Nominated: Best First Film
Critical Reception
The Guardian – Describes the film as a "forthright and fluent debut," praising Riedinger’s incisive storytelling.
Cineuropa – Calls the film "incisive, touching, and very dynamic," focusing on the high hopes of social advancement through reality TV.
Le Monde – Applauds the film for its "spellbinding" (envoûtant) portrayal of the reality TV universe, capturing Liane’s struggle against stereotypes.
Screen Daily – Highlights Malou Khebizi’s "magnetic performance," while noting the film’s sharp critique of beauty standards.
Overall, Wild Diamond has been praised for its authenticity and strong lead performance, though some critics suggest it offers an unsettling reflection of modern fame culture.
Box Office
France Lifetime Gross – $349,266
Worldwide Lifetime Gross – $352,829
Production
Produced by Silex Films, with co-production from France 2 Cinéma, Germaine Films, and several regional film commissions, Wild Diamond authentically captures the environment of Fréjus, blending dreamlike cinematography with social realism.
Production Companies
Silex Films (France)
France 2 Cinéma (France)
Germaine Films (France)
Canal+ (France)
France Télévisions (France)
Ciné+ (France)
Sales and Distribution Companies
Sales Representative: Pyramide International (France)
Distributor (France): Pyramide Distribution
Distributor (US): Strand Releasing
Other Regions: September Film (Belgium, Netherlands), Wild Bunch Germany (Germany), Caramel Films (Spain), Academy 2 (Italy), Filmcoopi (Switzerland), Mars Production (Turkey), and more.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28319139/
Link Review: https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/may/15/wild-diamond-review-french-agathe-riedinger
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/diamant-brut (France), https://www.universcine.com/films/diamant-brut (France)
Why to Recommend This Movie
Timely Themes – Engages with modern anxieties about beauty, self-worth, and social media.
Powerful Performances – A breakout role for Malou Khebizi.
Festival Acclaim – Recognized at Cannes and major film awards.
Visually Striking – Features a distinct cinematic style blending naturalism and surrealism.
Why You Should Watch Wild Diamond
Insightful Social Commentary – Critiques the contemporary obsession with fame.
Emotionally Compelling – Follows a relatable protagonist’s highs and lows.
Emerging Talent – Witness Agathe Riedinger’s strong directorial debut.
Cultural Relevance – Reflects the realities of young women navigating beauty and self-image in the digital age.
Movie Trend: Reality TV Critique
Wild Diamond aligns with films that critique reality television’s impact on self-worth and identity, similar to The Truman Show and Reality.
Big Social Trend: Social Media and Celebrity Culture
The film reflects ongoing discussions about how social media and reality TV shape personal aspirations and insecurities.
Final Verdict
Wild Diamond is a bold, thought-provoking film that offers a sharp critique of modern beauty standards and fame culture. With a standout lead performance and a compelling narrative, it is a must-watch for audiences interested in contemporary social issues and emerging cinematic talent.
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