New Movies: A Second Life (2025) by Laurent Slama: An Urban Fairytale Amidst Olympic Chaos

Core Summary: Finding Connection in a Fractured City A Second Life (2025), a debut feature by French director Laurent Slama, is an urban fairy tale set against the backdrop of the opening day of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. The film follows Elisabeth (Agathe Rousselle), a hard-of-hearing woman battling severe depression and the pressures of managing short-term rentals, on what seems like the worst day of her life. Her fragile balance is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of Elijah (Alex Lawther), a radiant and carefree American. As the city descends into Olympic madness, an unlikely bond forms between the two, offering Elisabeth a chance at an unexpected "second life."

Summary Short: A Depressed Woman Finds Hope During the Paris Olympics On the chaotic opening day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, a depressed, hard-of-hearing woman's life takes an unexpected turn when she forms a bond with a carefree American, potentially leading to a new chapter.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt36591115/

Link Review: https://nextbestpicture.com/a-second-life/

About movie: https://www.mmmfilmsales.com/films/asecondlife

Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/a-second-life

Detailed Summary: A Portrait of Paris, Friendship, and Hope A Second Life (2025) is a French drama film, marking the directorial debut of Laurent Slama, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas Keumurian.

• Setting the Scene: The film is set in Paris on July 26, 2024, the opening day of the Summer Olympic Games. The city is depicted as hectic and bustling, undergoing a "massive sporting event."

• Elisabeth's Plight: The protagonist is Elisabeth (Agathe Rousselle), a hard-of-hearing woman described as living "the worst day of her life." She is grappling with depression and the added stress of managing short-term rentals amidst the Olympic fervor. Her fragile mental state is contrasted with the vibrant, chaotic energy of Paris.

• The Arrival of Elijah: Her life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Elijah (Alex Lawther), a "radiant and carefree Californian." This encounter disrupts Elisabeth's delicate balance.

• An Unlikely Bond: As Paris navigates the Olympic madness, an unexpected connection forms between the jaded Elisabeth and the optimistic Elijah. Their developing friendship becomes a central focus of the narrative.

• Themes of Friendship and Urban Life: The film is described as an "ode to friendship" and an "urban fairy tale," suggesting a story of human connection flourishing amidst the complexities of modern city life during a significant global event. It also serves as an "almost documentary portrait of a city" during the Olympics.

• Cast: In addition to Agathe Rousselle and Alex Lawther, the cast includes Suzy Bemba and Jonas Bachan.

Plot summary

• Olympic Opening Day in Paris (July 26, 2024): The film plunges into the bustling, chaotic atmosphere of Paris on the highly anticipated opening day of the Summer Olympics.

• Elisabeth's Crisis: Elisabeth (Agathe Rousselle), a hard-of-hearing woman, is at a low point. She is battling significant depression and struggling under the pressure of her job managing short-term rentals, which are undoubtedly exacerbated by the influx of visitors for the Games.

• The Arrival of Elijah: Her carefully constructed, albeit fragile, routine is thrown into disarray by the sudden appearance of Elijah (Alex Lawther), a seemingly carefree and vibrant American.

• Disruption and Connection: Elijah's presence initially disrupts Elisabeth's already precarious state, but as they navigate the frenetic and festive Parisian streets during the Olympics, an unexpected bond begins to form between them.

• Contrasting Personalities: The plot explores the dynamic between Elisabeth's internal turmoil and Elijah's more optimistic and free-spirited nature, highlighting how their differences might complement each other.

• A Journey of Friendship and Discovery: Their interactions lead to a journey of mutual discovery and support. The film focuses on this developing friendship as a source of potential healing and new possibilities for Elisabeth.

• The Promise of a Second Life: Amidst the backdrop of a city transformed by the Olympics, Elisabeth finds herself contemplating a "second life," suggesting a path towards overcoming her depression and embracing new beginnings through this newfound connection.

Director's Vision Laurent Slama's directorial vision for A Second Life is multifaceted, blending intimate character study with a vibrant, almost documentary-like portrayal of Paris during a historic event.

• Urban Fairy Tale: Slama aims to create an "urban fairy tale," suggesting a focus on hope, connection, and transformation within the realistic, sometimes harsh, backdrop of a major city.

• Ode to Friendship: A central tenet of his vision is to craft an "ode to friendship," highlighting how human connection can be a powerful force for healing and change, particularly for a character struggling with isolation and depression.

• Documentary-like Portrait of Paris: The film is designed as an "almost documentary portrait of a city in the grips of a massive sporting event" (the 2024 Paris Olympics). Slama himself also served as the cinematographer, suggesting a hands-on approach to capturing the authentic energy and atmosphere of Paris during this time.

• Exploring Depression with Nuance: With a protagonist on "suicidal watch" and living "the worst day of her life," Slama's vision involves exploring depression in a nuanced way, contrasting inner turmoil with external festivity. The film is described as an "uneven effort to explore depression," suggesting a raw and perhaps experimental approach to the subject.

• Juxtaposition of Characters: The arrival of Elijah, a "radiant and carefree Californian," is key to disrupting Elisabeth's "fragile balance," indicating a visual and thematic contrast between the two leads.

• Intimate and Authentic Performances: Casting Agathe Rousselle (known for Titane) and Alex Lawther suggests a desire for raw, compelling performances that can carry the emotional weight of the story.

Themes

• Friendship and Connection: The central theme revolves around the unexpected bond formed between two disparate individuals and the power of human connection to foster healing and hope.

• Depression and Mental Health: The film directly addresses the protagonist's struggle with severe depression and her "suicidal watch," exploring the internal battle for sanity and a desire for a "second life."

• Urban Isolation vs. Community: Set against the backdrop of a bustling city during a major event, the film explores the paradox of feeling isolated even amidst crowds, and how individuals can find connection within that environment.

• Reinvention and New Beginnings: The title itself, A Second Life, suggests themes of overcoming past traumas, finding new purpose, and the possibility of personal transformation.

• The Transformative Power of Place: Paris, especially during the Olympics, acts as a dynamic backdrop that influences the characters' experiences and potentially facilitates their journey of change.

• The Olympics as a Metaphor: The massive sporting event could serve as a metaphor for pushing limits, overcoming challenges, and a collective striving for something new, paralleling Elisabeth's personal journey.

• Cultural Contrast: The interaction between a French woman and an American man might subtly explore cultural differences and their impact on connection.

Key success factors

• Strong Lead Performances: The chemistry and compelling portrayals by Agathe Rousselle and Alex Lawther will be crucial in conveying the nuanced emotional journey of their characters.

• Authentic Portrayal of Paris: Capturing the unique atmosphere and energy of Paris, particularly during the Olympics, will be a significant factor in the film's immersive quality.

• Sensitive Handling of Mental Health: The film's success in exploring depression without sensationalism or superficiality will be important for critical and audience reception.

• Laurent Slama's Vision: As a debut director, Slama's ability to balance the "urban fairy tale" elements with a more realistic, "almost documentary" style will define its unique appeal.

• Timely Setting: The film's setting during the 2024 Paris Olympics adds a contemporary and globally resonant element.

• Word-of-Mouth from Festival Circuit: Its premiere at Tribeca and Karlovy Vary will be key to generating buzz and securing further distribution.

Summary Short: Festival Premieres and International Narrative Focus A Second Life (2025) premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025 as part of its International Narrative Competition and was also selected for the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. The film, a French production, has been acquired by MMM Film Sales for international distribution. Initial critical reception is mixed, noting its ambition in exploring depression but sometimes finding the execution uneven. Its release dates beyond festivals are yet to be widely announced.

Awards and Nominations As an upcoming 2025 film that has just begun its festival run, A Second Life has not yet had extensive opportunities for awards and nominations beyond festival selections.

• Tribeca Film Festival (2025): Selected for the International Narrative Competition.

• 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2025): Selected for its competition line-up.

Critics Reception As A Second Life (2025) recently premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, widespread critical reviews are just starting to emerge.

• Mixed Early Reviews: Movies We Texted About describes it as "an uneven effort to explore depression," suggesting that while it tackles important themes, its execution might not consistently land.

• Ambitious Subject Matter: The film's willingness to delve into the serious topic of a woman on "suicidal watch" and her struggles with depression is noted.

• Praise for Acting: Agathe Rousselle's performance as Elisabeth is highlighted as a key element.

• Portrayal of Paris: The film's setting during the Paris Olympics is acknowledged, suggesting it functions as a backdrop for the emotional narrative.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Early critical reception for A Second Life is mixed. While praised for its ambitious exploration of mental health and strong lead performances, some critics have pointed to an unevenness in its narrative execution.

Reviews As A Second Life (2025) has only recently premiered at film festivals, detailed reviews are still limited.

• "Uneven Effort": The review from Movies We Texted About suggests the film has strong intentions in exploring depression but struggles with consistency in its storytelling, implying some narrative choices or pacing issues might hinder its full impact.

• Focus on Character: The film is understood to be a character-driven piece, primarily following Elisabeth's difficult journey.

• Themes of Hope and Reconciliation: While no direct reviews are available, the underlying themes of second chances and hope are indicated in broader summaries of films with similar titles, suggesting a potential for emotional resonance despite the dark subject matter.

Overall Summary of Reviews: Initial reactions indicate that A Second Life is a film with significant emotional ambition, aiming to portray the complex experience of depression. While it might have some narrative imperfections, its core strength lies in its character study and the potential for a hopeful message.

Box Office A Second Life (2025) premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and has been selected for the Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. As a French independent film, it is not expected to have a wide theatrical release in the same vein as major studio blockbusters. Box office figures for independent and festival-circuit films are typically limited, with success often measured by festival acclaim, sales to distributors, and eventual streaming performance. There are no box office reports available for this film as of June 2025.

Production Summary A Second Life (2025) is a French fiction film with a runtime of 77 minutes. It is directed by Laurent Slama, who also served as cinematographer and co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas Keumurian. The film is produced by Laurent Slama and Maxime Montagne for 21juin Cinéma and RnB! Films, with co-producers Brigitte Coquelle, Ethan Benillouche, and Christian Terrassoux for Loulou Films. The music is by Jean-Charles Bastion, and editing by Souliman Schelfout. The main cast includes Agathe Rousselle (Elisabeth), Alex Lawther (Elijah), Suzy Bemba, and Jonas Bachan. The film received backing from Altana Investissements (FR).

Production companies

• 21juin Cinéma

• RnB! Films

• Loulou Films (co-producer)

Sales companies

• MMM Film Sales (Handles international sales)

Distribution companies Specific distribution companies beyond the sales agent are not yet widely announced. Its festival appearances will be key to securing wider distribution deals.

Release date on streaming Information about a specific streaming release date for A Second Life (2025) is not yet available. It premiered at film festivals in June 2025. Streaming availability would typically follow after its festival run and any potential limited theatrical release.

Theatrical Release A Second Life (2025) had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025 (as part of the International Narrative Competition). It was also selected for the 59th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2025). Further theatrical release dates are not yet widely announced.

Why to recommend this movie

• Unique Setting: The film's backdrop of the 2024 Paris Olympics provides a dynamic and historically relevant setting for a personal drama.

• Exploration of Mental Health: It bravely tackles the serious theme of depression and a character on "suicidal watch," offering a potentially raw and honest portrayal.

• Focus on Human Connection: The story emphasizes the transformative power of an unlikely friendship amidst isolation and chaos.

• Strong Lead Performances: The casting of Agathe Rousselle and Alex Lawther suggests compelling acting will be central to the film's appeal.

• Debut Director's Vision: It offers a chance to see a new filmmaking voice, Laurent Slama, explore complex themes in his first feature.

Why to Watch Movie

• If You Appreciate Character-Driven Dramas: The film centers on the internal struggles and journey of its protagonist, Elisabeth.

• Interest in Mental Health Narratives: If you are drawn to films that sensitively and realistically portray challenges with depression.

• Enjoy Urban Settings: The Parisian backdrop during the Olympics offers a unique and vibrant visual experience.

• To Witness Unlikely Friendships: The evolving bond between Elisabeth and Elijah is a core element of the story.

• Support Independent Cinema: To experience a debut feature from a new director that's gaining traction on the festival circuit.

Movie Trend A Second Life (2025) aligns with the emerging trend of "Intimate Character Studies Set Against Grand Backdrops," where personal dramas unfold amidst significant real-world events (like the Paris Olympics). It also fits into the growing category of "Films Exploring Mental Health with Nuance," moving beyond superficial depictions to delve into the complexities of depression and recovery. The film's focus on an "unlikely duo" also taps into the enduring popularity of "Buddy Dramas," where disparate characters find common ground and support. Its development and premiere at film festivals further solidifies the trend of "Festival-Driven Independent Cinema" as a vital platform for new voices.

Social Trend The film directly engages with the increasingly prominent social trend of "Open Dialogue on Mental Health," contributing to the destigmatization of depression and suicide. By portraying a character "on suicidal watch," it confronts a difficult reality that society is increasingly willing to address. The narrative also touches on the concept of "Finding Connection in a Fragmented World," highlighting the human need for genuine relationships even amidst the overwhelming and isolating aspects of modern urban life and large-scale global events. The setting during the Olympics might subtly comment on the contrast between public spectacle and private struggle.

Final Verdict A Second Life (2025) by Laurent Slama is an ambitious and poignant debut, offering an intimate portrayal of a woman's battle with depression set against the vibrant and chaotic energy of the Paris Olympics. While early reviews indicate some unevenness in its execution, the film's strength lies in its raw depiction of human vulnerability and the transformative power of unexpected friendship. With its compelling lead performances and timely themes, A Second Life is a film that promises to resonate emotionally and provides a fresh perspective on finding hope in the midst of personal and urban turmoil.

Recommendations for film makers

• Leverage Real-World Events as Backdrops: Consider how significant global events can serve as dynamic, symbolic settings that enhance a personal narrative without overshadowing it.

• Commit to Character Depth: When exploring sensitive topics like mental health, ensure a nuanced and empathetic portrayal that allows for genuine emotional connection with the protagonist.

• Embrace Authentic Relationships: Focus on building believable and impactful connections between characters, as their bond can be the heart of the story.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Utilize cinematic techniques (cinematography, sound design) to convey internal states and external chaos, immersing the audience in the character's experience.

• Seek Festival Exposure: Premiering at prestigious festivals can generate crucial buzz and distribution opportunities for independent, character-driven films.

Recommendations for Movie Industry

• Support Films on Mental Health: Continue to invest in and promote films that thoughtfully explore mental health issues, contributing to broader societal understanding and destigmatization.

• Champion New Voices: Provide platforms and resources for debut directors like Laurent Slama, who bring fresh perspectives and tackle challenging subjects.

• Value Character-Driven Narratives: Recognize the audience appetite for films that prioritize emotional depth and human connection over pure spectacle.

• Explore International Co-productions: Collaborations across countries can bring unique cultural insights and diverse talent to compelling stories.

• Market Thematic Resonance: Highlight the film's social relevance and emotional themes in marketing to attract audiences interested in thought-provoking cinema.

Final Conclusions A Second Life (2025) is a compelling and ambitious debut from Laurent Slama, offering a deeply human story of resilience and connection amidst personal and urban chaos. Its sensitive portrayal of mental health, combined with a unique Olympic backdrop and strong performances, makes it a significant and emotionally resonant film. While it may have some growing pains as a first feature, its core message of finding hope and forging new paths is powerful and timely.