Movies: June & John (2025) by Luc Besson: A Monotonous Life Finds Its Spark

The Unpredictable Journey of a Life Turned Upside Down June & John is a thriller/romance film directed by Luc Besson. The film follows John, a young man trapped in a monotonous and boring routine, whose life is completely transformed when he encounters the enigmatic June on the subway. This seemingly simple meeting catapults them both into a whirlwind adventure filled with passion, risk, and a race against the law. The film was reportedly shot on an iPhone during the 2020 lockdown, giving it a unique, low-budget feel.

Why to watch this movie (Why to recommend this movie): The Return of a Master

• Luc Besson's Return to His Roots: Fans of Luc Besson's earlier, more stylized work like Subway and Léon: The Professional will be intrigued by this film. It is being promoted as a return to his "slick, violent, and stylized filmmaking."

• A New Kind of Besson Film: The fact that the film was shot on an iPhone during the pandemic makes it a fascinating and unprecedented project for a director of his stature. This low-budget, experimental approach sets it apart from his more recent, big-budget productions.

• A Modern-Day Bonnie and Clyde: The film's premise of a spontaneous road trip and a "race against the law" has drawn comparisons to classic outlaw romance films like Bonnie and Clyde, promising a high-energy and passionate story.

Where to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/june-and-john (France), https://www.justwatch.com/de/Film/june-and-john (Germany)

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

Link Review: https://deadline.com/2025/04/luc-besson-joy-making-smartphone-romance-june-and-john-1236374777/

About movie: https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/1216571-june-john?language=bg

What Trend is followed? The "Secret" Project and The Low-Budget Masterpiece

• The film follows the trend of a veteran director creating a "secret" project, often a small, personal film made without the usual fanfare of a major production.

• The iPhone Filmmaking Trend: The fact that the film was shot on an iPhone aligns with a growing trend of using consumer-grade technology to create feature-length films. This approach lowers the barriers to entry and allows for more spontaneous, guerilla-style filmmaking.

• Return to the "Indie" Spirit: For a director known for big-budget spectacles, this film represents a trend of celebrated filmmakers returning to a more indie, low-stakes approach to storytelling, focusing on character and narrative over special effects.

Director's Vision: Capturing Spontaneity and Life Through a Lens

• Authenticity in the Unexpected: Besson's decision to shoot the film on an iPhone during the pandemic lockdown was a bold move that speaks to his vision of capturing spontaneity and a raw, authentic energy.

• The "Bonnie & Clyde" Vibe: The director's vision is to create a film that is both a romantic love story and a high-octane thriller, a juxtaposition of genres that is a signature of his earlier work.

• Injecting Color into a Monotonous World: The director visually contrasts John's monotonous life with the "color, magic, and love" that June injects into it, using the cinematic language of light and color to tell the story.

Themes: Escape, Rebellion, and the Power of Connection

• The Escape from Monotony: The central theme revolves around escaping the dull, predictable routines of modern life. John's character represents the widespread feeling of being stuck, and June is the catalyst for his rebellion.

• Rebellion Against the Norm: The film explores the theme of rebellion against societal expectations and the law. June and John's journey is not just a physical one, but a metaphorical escape from the rules that have constrained their lives.

• Love as a Catalyst for Change: The film's core is the transformative power of love and human connection. It suggests that a single, meaningful encounter can change the entire trajectory of a person's life.

Key success factors: Besson's Name and Indie Spirit

• The Luc Besson Brand: Despite a mixed reception to some of his more recent films, Luc Besson is a globally recognized director with a dedicated fan base. His name alone will attract viewers and critics.

• The "iPhone Movie" Buzz: The unique production story of the film—shot on an iPhone during lockdown—is a major talking point that has generated significant pre-release buzz and curiosity.

• The Timeless Romance-Thriller: The film's genre combination of a romantic adventure and a thriller is a proven formula that appeals to a wide audience.

Critics Reception: A Mixed but Promising Outlook

• World of Reel: According to World of Reel, a trailer for the film sparked early reactions, with some viewers calling it "an infinitely worse version of his underrated 'Angel-A,'" while others were "kinda sold" on the unique look and feel.

• Blu-ray-Rezensionen: A review from the German site Blu-ray-Rezensionen notes that while some dialogue is clichéd, the film is saved by the "spürbarem Enthusiasmus" (tangible enthusiasm) of its lead actors. The review also praises the sound design.

• Overall Summary: Critics are divided on the film's potential. Some see it as a promising return to form for Besson, a low-budget passion project that has the potential to be a sleeper hit. Others are skeptical, concerned that the low-budget feel might detract from the film's quality.

Reviews: Positive for the Low-Budget Look

• Plex: Reviews on Plex from users like Juliano Henriquez praise the film as a "very good low budget film" with a "nice story nice execution."

• Reddit: A discussion on Reddit's r/movies reveals mixed reactions to the trailer, with some viewers expressing disinterest in the plot while others were excited for Besson's "first great movie in years!"

• Overall Summary: The early user reviews and online reactions are mixed, but generally lean positive toward the film's low-budget aesthetic and its potential to be a fun, engaging, and unique watch. The key point of discussion is whether the film's "Bonnie & Clyde" vibe is a successful homage or a tired cliché.

What Movie Trend film is following: The COVID-Era Micro-Budget Film June & John is following a very specific and timely trend of films that were conceived and created during the COVID-19 pandemic. Filmmakers, constrained by lockdowns and limited resources, turned to innovative methods, such as shooting on iPhones, to tell stories. This resulted in a subgenre of micro-budget, often intimate films that reflect the unique circumstances of that era.

What Big Social Trend is following: The Quest for Adventure and Escapism The film taps into the widespread social trend of a desire for adventure and escapism from the mundane. In a world that often feels routine and overwhelming, the story of two people who spontaneously abandon their lives to embark on a thrilling journey resonates deeply with audiences looking for a vicarious sense of freedom and excitement.

Final Verdict: A Quirky and Unexpected Adventure June & John is an unexpected and intriguing entry in Luc Besson's filmography. Shot on a smartphone, it's a departure from his usual high-budget productions and offers a glimpse into a more personal, spontaneous side of his filmmaking. While it might not have the broad appeal of his blockbusters, it has a distinct charm and energy that will appeal to fans of his early work and those who appreciate low-budget, character-driven thrillers. It's a film that promises a fun and unpredictable ride, proving that a great story doesn't need a huge budget.