New Movies: Strip-tease intégral (2025) by Clémentine Bisiaux, Mathilde Blanc, Stéphanie De Smedt: A Cinematographic Stripping of Society
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 18
- 11 min read
Core Summary: Human Soul Laid Bare on the Big Screen Strip-tease intégral (2025), directed by a team of six filmmakers including Clémentine Bisiaux, Mathilde Blanc, and Stéphanie De Smedt, is a French-Belgian documentary that marks the 40th anniversary of the famous cult TV show "Strip-Tease." The film offers five contemporary "tableaus," both anodyne and extravagant, that strip bare human society in its "wonderful banality." Exploring subjects ranging from influencers in Dubai to a fixed-shot autopsy, the film captures humanity in its quest for recognition and self-staging, while remaining faithful to the subversive and non-judgmental spirit of the original show.
Summary Short: The "Strip-Tease" Phenomenon on the Big Screen For its 40th anniversary, the cult show "Strip-Tease" is adapted into a documentary film that frankly observes five contemporary scenes of human society, exploring its flaws, absurdities, and aspirations with humor and sometimes cynicism.
Link Review: https://www.lemonde.fr/culture/article/2025/02/12/strip-tease-integral-menus-morceaux-de-vie_6543651_3246.html
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/fr/film/striptease-integral (France)
Detailed Summary: An Unvarnished Dive into Everyday Life
Film Overview: Strip-tete intégral (2025) is a French-Belgian documentary film with a runtime of 1h30 (90 minutes), which celebrates the 40th anniversary of the cult television show "Strip-Tease." The film is directed by a team of six filmmakers: Jean Libon, Yves Hinant, Clémentine Bisiaux, Régine Dubois, Mathilde Blanc, and Stéphanie De Smedt.
The Concept: Faithful to the original spirit of the show, the film offers a series of five segments that, figuratively speaking, undress contemporary society. These "tableaus" are described as sensitive, touching, sometimes absurd, often funny, at times dark or luminous, but always "as true as life."
Contemporary Subjects: The film addresses varied and contemporary subjects that, in their singularity, tell facets of current society. Examples include influencers in Dubai, a "zero-waste" family, a hypochondriac doctor, and a fixed-shot autopsy sequence followed by the forensic doctor's performance as a cabaret drag artist.
The "Strip-Tease" Spirit: The essence of the film lies in its raw, non-judgmental observation of characters, revealing their flaws, absurdities, and aspirations. The slogan "a magazine that undresses you" remains more relevant than ever, highlighting a humanity that, while seeking to tell its story, sometimes loses itself in a frantic quest for recognition and self-staging.
Cultural Impact: The "Strip-Tease" show left its mark and inspired filmmakers for nearly thirty years. This feature film seeks to return to the fundamentals of this cult format, acting as an "antidote to the sanitized representations of reality."
International Co-production: The film is a co-production between France and Belgium, involving companies such as Le Bureau Films, Apollo Films, Artémis Productions, and RTBF.
Plot Summary: Five Tableaus of the Human Condition
The Reincarnation of the Cult Show: For its fortieth anniversary, "Strip-Tease," the cult show from Belgian and French television, is presented on the big screen in the form of a feature film.
Five Scenes of Life: The film, through five contemporary subjects, unveils situations that are both anodyne and extravagant. These segments are conceived as "paintings" of human society.
A Gallery of Characters: It features a gallery of singular characters – influencers in Dubai, a "zero-waste" family, a hypochondriac doctor – whose stories depict contemporary society with a sometimes disturbing, often hilarious frankness.
Raw Observation: True to the show's slogan, "a magazine that undresses you," the film offers a raw observation that reveals the flaws, absurdities, and aspirations of a humanity sometimes touching, sometimes overwhelming.
The "Bidoche" Segment: The film culminates with a segment titled "Bidoche" (Meat): an autopsy filmed in a fixed shot, unexpectedly followed by a sequence where the forensic doctor performs as a cabaret drag artist, illustrating the absurdity and duality of existence.
Implicit Social Commentary: Behind the humor and cynicism, the film captures something disquieting: a humanity that, while seeking to tell its story, loses itself in a frantic quest for recognition and self-staging, serving as an antidote to sanitized representations of reality.
Director's Vision: Perpetuating the Subversive Spirit The vision of the directors, Clémentine Bisiaux, Mathilde Blanc, and Stéphanie De Smedt (alongside Jean Libon, Yves Hinant, and Régine Dubois), is to extend and adapt the unique spirit of the "Strip-Tease" show to the cinematic format.
Fidelity to the Original: The primary goal is to remain "more than ever faithful to the spirit of the cult series that has left its mark and inspired filmmakers for nearly thirty years."
Non-Judgmental Observation: The film aims to offer "sensitive, touching, sometimes absurd, often funny, at times dark or luminous – but always as true to life – paintings of human vanity in its most wonderful banality." The camera acts as a witness that "undresses" without intervening or judging.
Portraying Contemporary Society: The vision is to "depict contemporary society with a sometimes disturbing, often hilarious, always fascinating frankness" through the uniqueness of the characters and situations.
Antidote to Sanitized Reality: The project intends to be an "antidote to the sanitized representations of reality" found elsewhere, by offering a raw observation that goes against the control of image.
Humanity in Its Quest: The film seeks to capture "something disquieting: a humanity that, while seeking to tell its story, loses itself in a frantic quest for recognition and self-staging."
Themes: The Many Facets of Humanity
Human Vanity: The central theme is the exploration of "human vanity in its most wonderful banality," showing how individuals seek to tell their stories and gain recognition.
The Absurdity of Everyday Life: The film highlights sometimes absurd situations and the flaws of daily life, with a mix of humor and derision.
The Quest for Recognition and Self-Image: A critical look at the contemporary trend of self-staging and the frantic search for visibility, particularly through the lens of influencers.
The Ordinary and the Extraordinary: The contrast between seemingly anodyne situations and their extravagance under the camera's eye, revealing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
The Relationship to Truth and Reality: The film aims to be an "antidote to the sanitized representations of reality," seeking "frankness" and a "raw observation" of humanity.
Life and Death: The "Bidoche" segment directly addresses the theme of death and dissection, contrasting with other lighter portraits, and emphasizing the duality of existence.
Key Success Factors: The Legacy of a Brand and Targeted Observation
Strong Cultural Heritage: The film benefits from the notoriety and appeal of a show that left its mark on generations, guaranteeing an initial audience.
Authenticity and Raw Observation: The film's ability to offer "true-to-life" portraits without direct judgment, faithful to the show's spirit, is a major draw.
Contemporary and Diverse Subjects: The exploration of "five contemporary subjects, both anodyne and extravagant," allows it to reach a wide range of viewers and pique curiosity.
Subversive Humor: The unique blend of humor, sometimes absurd, and cynicism that characterizes "Strip-Tease" ensures a distinctive and memorable tone.
Talented Directors: The collaboration of a team of experienced directors and new voices ensures continuity and freshness in the approach.
Social Relevance: The film acts as a mirror of society, highlighting contemporary trends and behaviors.
Summary Short: A Celebrated Return to Theaters and Platforms Strip-tease intégral (2025) was released in cinemas in February 2025 in France and Belgium. It is also available on VOD on platforms like Apple TV and Amazon Video, demonstrating a multi-platform distribution for this event documentary. Critical reception is currently forming, with preliminary ratings.
Awards & Nominations: A Noteworthy Documentary As a film released in early 2025, Strip-tease intégral has not yet accumulated a large number of major awards or nominations. However, its mere existence as a film derived from the cult show and its theatrical release is already a form of recognition of its cultural impact. A scene involving human cadaver dissection required a warning to sensitive audiences. MUBI describes it as "Strip-tease intégralDirected by Jean Libon, Clémentine Bisiaux, Régine Dubois & 3 more."
Critics Reception: Critical Whispers: Critics' Voices Strip-tease intégral (2025) is just beginning to gather critical opinions following its release.
Cinebel - DH: Gives preliminary ratings of 5.0/10, 6.0/10, and 7.5/10, indicating a varied reception.
aVoir-aLire.com: The review mentions that the film "leaves one wanting more" but praises the directors' work and the documentary genre. The site emphasizes that the film is "more than ever faithful to the spirit of the cult series."
Le Claiureur Fnac: Calls the film an "event documentary," highlighting that it offers "a gallery of characters who, in their singularity, recount contemporary society with a sometimes disturbing, often hilarious, always fascinating frankness." It views it as an "antidote to sanitized representations of reality" and notes that behind the humor, it captures "something disquieting: a humanity that, while seeking to tell its story, loses itself in a frantic quest for recognition and self-staging."
Grolleandski: An interview with Jean Libon (co-director) confirms that the film is a "kind of first opus" that returns to the fundamentals of the show. He mentions that some participants enjoyed being filmed, even without the usual control of social networks.
Overall Summary of Critical Reception: Initial feedback is mixed but generally positive, praising the fidelity to the subversive spirit of the original show and the relevance of the societal observations. Some critics see it as an event film that leaves a lasting impression, even if it can sometimes leave one "wanting more."
Reviews: Audience Insights: First Impressions As Strip-tease intégral has primarily been on the festival circuit and was just released theatrically in 2025, detailed audience reviews are not yet widespread. However, early critical reviews provide insight into its reception:
"Gripping" and "Devastating": Early word suggests the film is a "gripping, devastating" experience.
Visually Striking: The cinematography is likely to be a highlight, given the Corsican setting and the cinemascope format. Alexis Manenti himself noted that it was "marvelous to shoot in natural scenery and see all these landscapes."
Character Depth: The film delves into the human struggle, with Alexis Manenti discussing the appeal of the "character" and the "relation with the director."
Intense Pace: It is described as having a "cracking pace," suggesting it will maintain audience engagement through its thriller elements.
Box Office: The Box Office Trail: Initial Theatrical Performance Strip-tease intégral (2025) was released in theaters in France on February 12, 2025 (limited release) and in Belgium on January 29, 2025. According to The Numbers, the box office gross in France is $0, indicating a very limited release or data not yet fully reported. There are no significant figures available for domestic or international box office. For documentary films of this type, success is often measured by critical recognition, VOD/SVOD distribution, and the discussion they generate, rather than theatrical revenues.
Production Summary: Behind the Scenes: Production Snapshot Strip-tease intégral (2025) is a French-Belgian documentary film with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes (or 1 hour and 25 minutes depending on the source), produced in 2024. It is directed by a team of six filmmakers: Jean Libon, Yves Hinant, Clémentine Bisiaux, Régine Dubois, Mathilde Blanc, and Stéphanie De Smedt. Production is handled by Le Bureau Films & Apollo Films, with co-producers such as Artémis Productions and RTBF.
Production Companies: The Creative Engines: Production Companies The production companies involved are Le Bureau Films and Apollo Films (France), with co-producers such as Artémis Productions (Belgium) and RTBF (Belgium).
Sales Companies: Global Reach: Sales Companies The Bureau Sales is the company responsible for international, TV, and SVOD sales for Strip-tease intégral.
Distribution Companies: Global Reach: Distribution Companies The distributor in France is Apollo Films. The film is also available on VOD via Apple TV and Amazon Video, suggesting broader digital distribution.
Release date on streaming: Release Horizon: Digital Availability Strip-tease intégral (2025) is available for rental and purchase on streaming platforms such as Apple TV and Amazon Video. Rental is offered at €4.99 and purchase at €9.99. These platforms checked for updates on June 15, 2025.
Theatrical Release: Release Horizon: Big Screen Debut Strip-tease intégral premiered in theaters in France on February 12, 2025 (limited distribution) and in Belgium on January 29, 2025.
Why to recommend this movie: Why Journey Here: Essential Viewing Points
Strong Cultural Heritage: It is the big-screen return of a television concept that marked the history of French-Belgian television with its originality and offbeat look at society.
Authentic Human Observation: The film offers unvarnished portraits, often touching and sometimes disturbing, that reveal the complexity of human beings in their daily lives.
Contemporary Relevance: By exploring very current topics (influencers, quest for recognition, etc.), the documentary offers a reflection on the concerns and flaws of our modern society.
Subversive Humor: The characteristic tone of "Strip-Tease," a mix of humor, absurdity, and cynicism, guarantees a viewing experience that is both entertaining and incisive.
An Event Documentary: Its release is perceived as an event, attracting both nostalgic fans of the show and a new audience curious about this unique format.
Why to Watch Movie: Your Ticket to Truth: An Immersive Human Dive
Discover a Phenomenon: If you have never experienced the "Strip-Tease" show, this is an opportunity to discover a pioneering documentary format and its unique approach.
For Societal Reflection: If you appreciate films that encourage reflection on society, its absurdities, and its evolutions.
Fan of Human Documentaries: If you are interested in stories of ordinary lives made extraordinary by the power of observation.
For its Unusual and Disturbing Side: The film does not shy away from unexpected situations or more sensitive subjects, offering an experience that is sometimes shocking but always captivating.
Appreciate the Art of Observation: The film is an example of documentary filmmaking where the camera is a silent and non-judgmental witness, allowing characters to reveal themselves.
Movie Trend: On the Marquee: Cinematic Currents Strip-tease intégral (2025) fits into the trend of observational documentaries which, for several years, have experienced a resurgence and increasing recognition, both in cinemas and on platforms. It also represents the trend of adapting cult television formats to cinema, allowing them to reach a wider audience and give new life to appreciated concepts. The film also positions itself in cinema that dares to address sensitive or unusual social subjects with an unconventional gaze, participating in a continuous exploration of the representation of reality in media.
Social Trend: Pulse of the Times: Societal Reflections The film resonates with several contemporary social trends, notably the era of hyper-exposure and self-staging, exacerbated by social networks and influencer culture. It explores the quest for recognition and identity in an increasingly fragmented society. Moreover, by presenting often offbeat or marginalized life portraits, it aligns with a trend to value authentic narratives and deconstruct sanitized representations of reality, fostering discussion on "real life" versus constructed images.
Final Verdict: The Final Word: A Decapitating and Relevant Homage Strip-tease intégral (2025) is a bold and successful homage to a show that marked its era. Under the direction of Clémentine Bisiaux, Mathilde Blanc, Stéphanie De Smedt, and their co-directors, the film offers a series of human portraits that are at once funny, touching, and sometimes disturbing, capturing the essence of contemporary society with disarming lucidity. Despite a form that may surprise some, the film succeeds in "undressing" reality with a rare authenticity, establishing itself as an event documentary that continues to provoke thought about our own vanity and our quest for existence.
Recommendations for film makers: Crafting Cinematic Gold: Guidance for Aspiring Auteurs
Cultivate the Documentary Gaze: The film emphasizes the importance of patient and non-judgmental observation, allowing subjects to reveal themselves naturally in front of the camera.
Adapt Existing Formats: It demonstrates the relevance of adapting successful television concepts to the big screen, giving them a new dimension and reaching a wider audience.
Address Social Themes: The film's success relies on its ability to tackle contemporary social subjects with a unique tone, even if they are sensitive or provocative.
Dare with Humor and Cynicism: The use of black humor and cynicism can be a powerful tool to comment on society, making observations more impactful and memorable.
Diversify Points of View: Collaboration among several directors can bring a richness of perspectives and diversity in the narrative approach.
Recommendations for movie industry: Shaping the Future: Insights for the Industry
Invest in Documentaries: The industry should continue to support and promote documentary cinema, especially works that offer an original and incisive look at society.
Encourage Creative Adaptations: Foster the adaptation of established audiovisual formats to cinema, ensuring these projects maintain their artistic integrity and relevance.
Promote Subject Diversity: Highlight films that address varied and sometimes controversial themes, thereby enriching public debate and understanding of society.
Value International Co-production: Support co-productions between countries (like France and Belgium here) to enable more ambitious projects and broader cultural dissemination.
Bet on Multi-Platform Distribution: For documentaries, a distribution strategy combining cinemas, VOD, and SVOD is essential to maximize audience and impact.
Final Conclusions: A Memorable Look at Our Lives Strip-tease intégral (2025) is much more than just a documentary film; it is a work that, with audacity and humanity, continues the tradition of a cult show by offering a fascinating and sometimes disturbing mirror of our lives. The directors' vision, coupled with the timeless relevance of the concept, makes it a significant film that prompts reflection on the nature of truth, recognition, and the banality of existence. An unmissable event for those who like cinema to "undress" reality.
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