New Movies: Kika (2025) by Alexe Poukine: A Grieving Mother's Unconventional Path
- dailyentertainment95
- Jul 2
- 13 min read
Core Summary: Tragedy, Survival, and Self-Discovery
"Kika" (2025) is the debut narrative feature film by acclaimed Belgian-French filmmaker Alexe Poukine, known for her powerful documentary work. The film stars Manon Clavel in the titular role as Kika, a social worker whose life is brutally upended by the sudden death of her new partner, David, shortly after she discovers she is pregnant with his child. Left heartbroken, financially desperate, and responsible for her daughter Louison, Kika is forced to confront her grief and navigate a harsh reality. In a desperate bid to make money quickly and stay afloat, she takes an unexpected and unconventional turn, entering the world of sex work, specifically exploring the realm of BDSM. "Kika" is described as a tragicomic drama that delves into themes of grief, survival, female agency, and self-realization, as Kika grapples with her new double life and discovers unexpected aspects of herself and the human condition. The film premiered in May 2025 at the Cannes Critics' Week and is set for theatrical release in Belgium on June 25, 2025.
Snapshot: Grief-Stricken, Pregnant, She Finds Survival in Unexpected Worlds
A social worker, pregnant and broke after her partner's sudden death, turns to sex work to survive, leading her on a poignant journey of self-discovery in Alexe Poukine's debut feature.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33400055/
About movie: https://www.totem-films.com/films/kika/
Link to watch: (industry professionals): https://cinando.com/en/Film/kika_501109/Detail#videos
Deep Dive: Beyond the Surface of Desperation
"Kika" is positioned as a powerful and nuanced character study, blending elements of drama, comedy, and social realism.
Key aspects that define "Kika" (2025):
Director's Narrative Debut: Alexe Poukine is known for her compelling documentaries, and "Kika" marks her first foray into narrative feature filmmaking. This background likely informs the film's social realism and empathetic approach to its characters.
Complex Protagonist: Kika is a multi-layered character facing immense tragedy and moral dilemmas. The film explores her journey of grief, financial desperation, and her unconventional path to survival.
Exploration of Sex Work (BDSM): The film delves into the world of sex work, specifically BDSM, but reportedly with a non-sensationalized, observational, and almost clinical approach. It uses this exploration as a metaphor for Kika's internal journey of processing pain and asserting control.
Genre Blending: Described as a tragicomedy or comic drama, the film skillfully navigates between moments of humor, tenderness, and raw emotional intensity, reflecting the unpredictable nature of life.
Social Commentary: The narrative subtly touches upon themes of societal support (or lack thereof) for vulnerable individuals, the financial struggles of single mothers, and the hidden aspects of human desire and expression.
Lead Performance: Manon Clavel's performance as Kika is highlighted as a key strength, portraying a character who is often reserved but undergoes significant internal transformation.
Festival Acclaim: The film had its world premiere at the prestigious Critics' Week section of the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, indicating strong critical interest and artistic merit. It also won an award at the BRIFF (Brussels International Film Festival).
"Kika" promises to be an intimate, thought-provoking, and emotionally resonant film that challenges perceptions while offering a compelling character journey.
The Journey: From Loss to Unconventional Reinvention
Love and Sudden Loss: Kika, a dedicated social worker, finds unexpected love with David. Their burgeoning romance is abruptly cut short by his sudden death, leaving her pregnant and devastated.
Financial Desperation: Now a single mother with another child on the way, Kika faces severe financial hardship in a society where social safety nets are stretched thin.
A Seed of an Idea: An earlier conversation with one of her clients, who mentioned selling used underwear for money, plants a desperate idea in Kika's mind as a means of quick income.
Entry into Sex Work: Driven by necessity, Kika tentatively enters the world of sex work, initially with mild, unconventional requests, then gradually moving into more complex BDSM scenarios.
Double Life: She maintains a dual existence, balancing her public role as a compassionate social worker with her private life as a dominatrix.
Self-Discovery and Emotional Release: Through her interactions with clients and a mentor, Kika begins to confront her suppressed grief and explore new facets of her own agency and emotional boundaries.
The Breaking Point: The narrative builds towards a moment where Kika's pent-up emotions erupt, leading to a raw and impactful climax that signifies a profound step towards self-realization.
Director's Lens: Alexe Poukine's Documentarian Eye on Fiction
Alexe Poukine, celebrated for her documentary "That Which Doesn't Kill" (2019), brings a distinctive approach to her first fiction feature, "Kika," blending social realism with a nuanced exploration of character.
Social Realism and Observational Style: Poukine's documentary background informs her grounded approach, presenting Kika's struggles with financial precarity and her entry into sex work with a sense of authenticity and lack of glamorization.
Filmmakers transitioning from documentary to fiction can leverage their observational skills to create a heightened sense of reality in their narratives. By focusing on believable situations and character reactions, they can make even the most unconventional plot points feel grounded and relatable.
Nuanced Portrayal of Sensitive Subjects: The film tackles sex work and BDSM with a non-judgmental and curious lens, focusing on Kika's emotional journey rather than sensationalism.
When addressing sensitive or potentially controversial topics, directors should prioritize empathy and nuance. A non-exploitative approach that seeks to understand the human motivations and complexities behind the subject matter can lead to a more profound and impactful film, fostering audience understanding rather than mere shock.
Emphasis on Internal Transformation: While Kika's external circumstances drive the plot, Poukine focuses on her internal processing of grief and her gradual self-discovery through her unconventional experiences.
Character-driven narratives thrive when directors illuminate the protagonist's inner world as much as their external actions. Filmmakers can use subtle performances, carefully chosen close-ups, and even stylistic choices (like music or sound design) to convey a character's emotional landscape and gradual evolution.
Tragicomic Tone: Poukine navigates moments of dark humor alongside deep pathos, reflecting the often contradictory nature of real-life experiences.
Mastering a tragicomic tone requires a delicate balance. Directors can achieve this by allowing moments of levity to emerge organically from challenging situations, or by highlighting the inherent absurdity in human struggles, providing both emotional catharsis and intellectual engagement for the audience.
Central Themes: Grief, Survival, and Unconventional Agency
Grief and Trauma: Kika's journey is deeply rooted in her struggle to process the sudden, unexpected death of her partner.
Economic Precarity and Survival: The film highlights the harsh realities of financial struggle and the desperate measures individuals might take to survive.
Female Agency and Empowerment: Kika's unconventional path, despite its origins in desperation, becomes a journey of reclaiming control and discovering a new form of agency.
Identity and Self-Realization: The process of reinvention forces Kika to confront who she is, what she is capable of, and what she truly feels.
The Nature of Intimacy and Desire: The exploration of BDSM relationships probes the complexities of human connection, vulnerability, and the diverse expressions of desire.
Why It Shines: A Bold, Empathetic Character Study
Bold Subject Matter, Sensitive Treatment: Tackles the rarely explored intersection of grief, sex work, and BDSM with dignity and depth.
Exceptional Lead Performance: Manon Clavel's portrayal of Kika is raw, understated, and captivating.
Documentary-Informed Realism: Alexe Poukine's background brings authenticity and a grounded perspective.
Emotional Nuance: Navigates complex emotions and situations without resorting to easy answers or sensationalism.
Festival Recognition: Its premiere at Cannes Critics' Week and awards at BRIFF signify strong artistic merit and critical attention.
Critics Reception: Praised for Nuance and Emotional Depth
"Kika" (2025) has received very positive critical reception following its world premiere at the Cannes Critics' Week in May 2025 and subsequent screenings at festivals like BRIFF. Critics have largely lauded its sensitive handling of a challenging subject matter and its lead performance.
Manon Clavel's Performance: Her portrayal of Kika has been widely praised as captivating, nuanced, and empathetic, anchoring the film's emotional core.
Poukine's Direction: Critics commend Alexe Poukine's assured narrative feature debut, noting her ability to blend social realism with a compelling character study, often drawing parallels to her documentary work.
Sensitive Treatment of Sex Work: The film's non-judgmental and insightful depiction of sex work, particularly BDSM, has been highlighted as a strength, exploring it as a means of survival and self-discovery rather than exploitation.
Emotional Depth: Reviews often mention the film's ability to delve into profound themes of grief, trauma, and resilience without being overly didactic or melodramatic.
Tragicomic Balance: The film's successful navigation of its tragicomic tone, finding moments of humor and tenderness amidst hardship, has also been positively noted.
Festival Buzz: Its selection for Cannes Critics' Week and win at BRIFF underscore its artistic quality and critical appeal within the festival circuit.
Overall Summary: "Kika" is being lauded as a significant and impactful debut feature for Alexe Poukine, with critics praising its bold yet sensitive narrative, exceptional lead performance, and its thoughtful exploration of complex human experiences.
Audience Reactions: Emotionally Resonant and Thought-Provoking
As "Kika" (2025) has primarily been shown at film festivals and is just beginning its theatrical run in Belgium (June 25, 2025), widespread general audience reactions are still accumulating. However, early festival audiences and online discussions suggest a strong emotional impact.
Emotional Resonance: Audiences are likely to be deeply moved by Kika's journey, relating to themes of grief, hardship, and the human will to survive, even if her specific choices are unconventional.
Thought-Provoking Content: The film's exploration of sex work, BDSM, and personal agency is expected to spark discussions and reflections among viewers, challenging preconceived notions.
Appreciation for Authenticity: Those who appreciate social realism and character-driven dramas will likely value the film's unvarnished and empathetic portrayal of its subject.
Word-of-Mouth: Positive buzz from festival attendees is crucial for independent films like "Kika" to build momentum as they move into wider distribution.
Overall Summary: Early audience reception suggests that "Kika" is a film that evokes strong emotional responses and encourages deeper contemplation, finding a receptive audience among those open to nuanced and challenging storytelling.
Box Office Performance: Arthouse Release Potential
As a Belgian-French co-production that premiered at Cannes Critics' Week and is set for an arthouse theatrical release, "Kika" (2025) is not expected to be a blockbuster. Its success will be measured by critical acclaim, festival awards, sustained presence in specialized cinemas, and eventual VOD/streaming performance.
Theatrical Release: The film began its theatrical run in Belgium on June 25, 2025, distributed by Imagine Film Distribution. It will be distributed in French cinemas by Condor Distribution.
Festival Impact: Its strong festival presence (Cannes Critics' Week, BRIFF, Munich Film Festival, Karlovy Vary Film Festival) will significantly aid its visibility and attract arthouse audiences.
Budget: As an independent European drama, its budget is likely modest, meaning even a limited but dedicated audience can constitute a commercial success.
International Sales: Totem Films has acquired international sales, indicating potential for distribution in other territories following its festival success.
Overall Summary: "Kika" is positioned as a critically acclaimed arthouse film, with its commercial success tied to its festival circuit performance and its ability to attract discerning audiences in specialized cinemas across Europe and potentially beyond.
Production Notes: A European Independent Collaboration
"Kika" is a significant co-production that brought together talent and resources from Belgium and France, highlighting the strength of European independent cinema.
Directed by: Alexe Poukine
Written by: Alexe Poukine and Thomas Van Zuylen
Starring: Manon Clavel (Kika), Makita Samba (David), Suzanne Elbaz (Louison), Anael Snoek (Rasha), Thomas Coumans (Paul).
Producers: Benoît Roland, Alexandre Perrier, François-Pierre Clavel.
Production Companies: Wrong Men (Belgium) and Kidam (France).
Filming Dates: Principal photography began on September 15, 2024, and concluded on November 5, 2024, in Brussels, Belgium.
Runtime: 110 minutes (1 hour 50 minutes).
Language: French.
Production Companies: Wrong Men & Kidam
Wrong Men (Belgium)
Kidam (France)
Sales & Distribution: Totem Films & Local Distributors
International Sales: Totem Films
Belgian Distributor: Imagine Film Distribution
French Distributor: Condor Distribution
Theatrical Release: Began June 25, 2025 (Belgium), and various festival screenings in 2025.
Release Timeline: A Festival Debut to European Theaters
World Premiere: May 16, 2025, at the Critics' Week section of the Cannes Film Festival.
Belgian Theatrical Release: June 25, 2025.
Additional Festival Screenings: BRIFF (Brussels International Film Festival, where it won an award), Munich International Film Festival, Karlovy Vary Film Festival, and more throughout 2025.
Why See It: A Raw, Unflinching Look at Resilience
For its powerful and nuanced character study: Kika's journey is unique and deeply human.
To experience Alexe Poukine's acclaimed directorial voice: Her transition from documentary to fiction is compelling.
For a bold and empathetic exploration of sensitive themes: It tackles grief, sex work, and agency with remarkable sensitivity.
To witness a standout performance: Manon Clavel delivers a captivating and authentic portrayal.
For thought-provoking cinema: It will leave you with much to reflect on long after the credits roll.
Why Watch: If You Seek Depth Beyond the Conventional
If you appreciate character-driven dramas with social realism: The film is grounded in authentic human experience.
If you are interested in exploring complex female narratives: Kika offers a fresh and unconventional protagonist.
To see how challenging subjects can be handled with grace and insight: The film approaches sex work without sensationalism.
If you enjoy independent European cinema: It showcases strong filmmaking from Belgium and France.
For a film that challenges your perceptions and encourages empathy: It delves into the messy realities of survival and self-discovery.
Movie Trend: The Socially Conscious Character-Driven Debut
"Kika" (2025) exemplifies the burgeoning movie trend of The Socially Conscious Character-Driven Debut. This trend sees emerging filmmakers, often with backgrounds in documentary, crafting their first narrative features as intimate, unflinching character studies that bravely tackle complex, often taboo, social issues. These films prioritize psychological realism, nuanced performances, and a non-judgmental lens, inviting audiences to deeply empathize with protagonists navigating challenging circumstances. Their strength lies in their ability to translate micro-level human struggles into broader societal commentary, frequently gaining early critical recognition and festival acclaim before seeking distribution in the arthouse circuit.
Social Trend: Navigating Precarity and Redefining Control
"Kika" (2025) profoundly resonates with the contemporary social trend of Navigating Precarity and Redefining Control. In a world grappling with increasing economic instability, shifting social support systems, and evolving understandings of identity, the film's portrayal of Kika's desperate yet self-determined journey strikes a powerful chord. This trend reflects a broader societal conversation about individuals, particularly women, finding unconventional paths to survival and empowerment when traditional routes fail. It highlights the growing need to acknowledge diverse forms of labor and self-expression, challenging stigmas and advocating for a more empathetic understanding of human choices made under duress, ultimately redefining what it means to assert agency and resilience in precarious times.
Final Verdict: A Raw and Resonant Unveiling of Resilience
"Kika" (2025), Alexe Poukine's searing debut narrative feature, stands as a triumph of intimate storytelling and empathetic character study. Having premiered to significant acclaim at the Cannes Critics' Week in May 2025 and subsequently winning an award at the Brussels International Film Festival (BRIFF) before its Belgian theatrical release on June 25, 2025, the film has firmly established itself as a powerful voice in contemporary European cinema. Manon Clavel's understated yet profoundly moving portrayal of Kika — a grieving, pregnant social worker thrust into unconventional means of survival — anchors a narrative that bravely explores themes of loss, economic precarity, and unexpected female agency. Poukine's documentary background imbues the film with a stark realism and non-judgmental gaze, navigating sensitive subject matter like sex work and BDSM not for sensationalism, but as a crucible for Kika's profound journey of self-discovery and emotional processing. "Kika" is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity, offering a nuanced, tragicomic, and deeply resonant look at life's messy truths.
Recommendations for filmmakers: Crafting Empathy in Difficult Truths
Embrace Patient, Observational Storytelling for Nuance: "Kika" excels by allowing its subjects' emotions and interactions to unfold naturally over time, presenting its challenging themes with authenticity. Filmmakers tackling sensitive social issues should commit to a patient, observational approach, building trust with their subjects (or characters) and allowing their stories to emerge organically. This means prioritizing subtle character development and emotional arcs over overt plot mechanics, and trusting the audience to connect with the material through genuine human experience. This method allows for a more authentic and empathetic portrayal of complex human experiences. By stepping back and letting the cameras bear witness, directors can create a sense of genuine immersion for the audience, fostering deeper understanding and connection with the characters' struggles and triumphs, making even the most unconventional narratives feel relatable.
Focus on Universal Themes within Specific, Grounded Contexts: While centered on a specific Belgian judicial and social worker context, the film explores universal themes of grief, economic hardship, and the search for agency. Filmmakers should identify the broader human truths embedded in their seemingly niche or culturally specific subjects, ensuring that the personal stories resonate on a universal level with diverse audiences, regardless of their background. Connecting specific narratives to universal human experiences—like the search for belonging, the pain of separation, the desire for autonomy, or the hope for reconciliation—makes a film's message transcend cultural or geographical boundaries. This broader appeal allows the film to spark conversations and empathy far beyond its immediate context, highlighting shared human conditions.
Prioritize Ethical Storytelling and a Non-Judgmental Gaze in Sensitive Depictions: Given its sensitive subject matter (sex work, BDSM, grief, poverty), "Kika" maintains a respectful and non-judgmental stance towards all individuals involved. Filmmakers dealing with vulnerable populations or contentious issues must uphold the highest ethical standards, ensuring dignity, privacy, and an objective yet empathetic portrayal of their subjects. This involves rigorous research, avoiding sensationalism, and focusing on the human motivations behind characters' choices. This approach allows the audience to engage critically with the material without feeling manipulated or having their own biases reinforced. By presenting multiple perspectives fairly and with genuine curiosity, a director can foster understanding and empathy rather than quick judgments or exploitation, leading to a more profound and impactful cinematic experience.
Recommendations for Movie Industry: Supporting Socially Conscious Documentaries
Invest in Documentaries and Documentarian-Influenced Narratives Addressing Unseen Social Issues: "Kika" sheds light on a crucial, often hidden aspect of individual struggle within society's safety nets. The industry should actively support and fund documentaries, and narrative features from directors with documentary backgrounds, that explore underrepresented social issues, giving voice to marginalized experiences and bringing important, sometimes uncomfortable, conversations to the forefront. These films often serve as vital educational tools and catalysts for social change, offering unique insights that traditional news media or mainstream fiction might miss. Investing in them is not just about entertainment, but about contributing to public discourse, fostering empathy, and deepening societal understanding of complex realities.
Leverage Festival Success for Targeted Theatrical and Platform Distribution: The film's accolades at prestigious festivals (Cannes, BRIFF) underscore its artistic merit and potential to connect with a discerning audience. Distributors and sales agents should actively seek out such festival-proven independent films, recognizing their potential to find niche but dedicated audiences in specialized cinemas, educational institutions, and curated streaming platforms. Festival success provides crucial validation and visibility for independent films, acting as a springboard for wider release. Strategic distribution plans that target relevant communities and platforms, often with strong critical endorsements, can maximize the film's reach and impact, ensuring these important stories are seen by those who need to see them most.
Champion Diverse Filmmaking Voices and International Co-Productions: As an independent Belgian-French co-production, "Kika" showcases compelling talent and storytelling from outside Hollywood's traditional mainstream. The industry should continue to foster and fund diverse voices and support varied production models, including international co-productions, acknowledging that compelling, universally resonant stories can come from anywhere and benefit from authentic, local perspectives. This involves empowering filmmakers from various cultural backgrounds, investing in their unique visions, and building collaborative frameworks across borders. Such investments enrich the global cinematic landscape, offering a wider range of human experiences and artistic expressions, and reflecting the diverse audiences consuming content today.
Final Conclusions: The Enduring Power of the Human Spirit
"Kika" (2025), Alexe Poukine's acclaimed debut narrative feature, stands as a profound testament to the human spirit's capacity for resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity. Having premiered to significant critical praise at the Cannes Critics' Week and recently entering Belgian cinemas, the film has already distinguished itself as a raw, nuanced, and deeply empathetic exploration of grief, economic precarity, and the unexpected paths to self-discovery. Through Manon Clavel's captivating and understated performance, Poukine's documentary-informed gaze unflinchingly portrays the complexities of survival, navigating sensitive themes with remarkable dignity and psychological depth. "Kika" is not merely a film about enduring hardship; it is a powerful and timely cinematic work that challenges societal norms, celebrates unconventional forms of agency, and ultimately reminds us of the messy, yet beautiful, resilience inherent in the human condition.
Comments