New Trailers: Dog 51 (2025) by Cédric Jimenez

"Dog 51 (2025)": A Dystopian Thriller Unravels in a Divided Paris

Description: From French director Cédric Jimenez ("BAC Nord," "Novembre"), "Dog 51 (2025)," originally titled "Chien 51," is an ambitious dystopian crime thriller set in a near-future Paris. Based on Laurent Gaudé's novel, the film plunges into a technologically controlled city sharply divided by social inequality, where a murder investigation forces two disparate police officers to confront the system's dark underbelly.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33255286/

Link Review: https://variety.com/2025/film/global/november-cedric-jimenez-chien-51-studiocanal-1236302796/

About movie: https://www.studiocanal.com/title/chien-51-2025/

Release Date on Streaming: A specific streaming release date for "Dog 51 (2025)" is not available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical releases in various territories and will depend on distribution deals.

Theatrical Release: "Dog 51 (2025)" is scheduled for theatrical release in France on October 15, 2025, and in Spain on December 5, 2025. While the film was presented as part of Mediawan's slate at the Cannes Film Festival in May 2025, a formal festival premiere within a competitive section was not explicitly stated in the provided information.

Detailed Summary: In the not-too-distant future, Paris has been transformed into a city segmented into three distinct zones reflecting extreme social stratification. Law and order are maintained by an advanced artificial intelligence system named ALMA, which has revolutionized police work. However, the seemingly stable system is thrown into disarray when the inventor of ALMA is found dead. This high-profile murder triggers an investigation that falls to two police officers with vastly different methods and perspectives: Salia and Zem. Forced to collaborate despite their opposing approaches, the duo delves into the complexities of this futuristic society. Their investigation uncovers deep-seated social tensions, abuses of power facilitated by the AI, and the profound impact of technology on public institutions and individual lives. "Dog 51" is described as a futuristic thriller with a strong social dimension, utilizing a raw realistic style to depict a Paris on the brink of implosion.

Plot Summary:

• In a near-future dystopian Paris divided into three social zones, an AI named ALMA controls police work.

• The inventor of the ALMA system is murdered.

• Two police officers, Salia and Zem, with contrasting methods, are assigned to the case.

• Their investigation reveals social inequalities, technological control abuses, and the impact of AI on society.

• The film follows their efforts to solve the murder while navigating the dangers of the divided city.

The plot is a sci-fi crime procedural set against a backdrop of social commentary and technological warning.

Director's Vision: Cédric Jimenez, known for his gritty and intense thrillers rooted in realism, ventures into the dystopian genre with "Dog 51." His vision for the film is to adapt Laurent Gaudé's novel into an ambitious cinematic experience with a significant budget and extensive visual effects. Jimenez aims to maintain his signature raw realism despite the futuristic setting, creating an immersive portrayal of a fragmented Paris dominated by technology and social disparity. He is interested in exploring the work and minds of cops within this near-future environment ruled by AI, continuing his thematic focus on law enforcement while integrating social commentary on the impact of artificial intelligence and exacerbated inequalities. The film is intended to be a compelling crime thriller that also raises questions about the direction of technology and society.

Themes:

• Dystopian Future: The film presents a grim vision of a future society marked by division and technological control.

• Social Inequality and Class Division: The fragmentation of Paris into distinct zones highlights extreme social disparities.

• Artificial Intelligence and Technology Control: The role of ALMA explores the power and potential abuses of advanced AI in governing society.

• Crime and Investigation: At its core, the film is a police procedural centered on a murder mystery.

• Abuse of Power: The narrative likely delves into how technology and authority can be misused within the dystopian system.

• Impact of Technology on Society: The film examines how AI and technological advancements can transform social structures and human interaction.

• Opposing Ideologies/Methods: The pairing of two police officers with different approaches allows for an exploration of various perspectives on justice and order.

Key Success Factors:

• Acclaimed Director in a New Genre: Cédric Jimenez's track record in thrillers brings anticipation to his first dystopian film.

• Adaptation of a Recognized Novel: Being based on Laurent Gaudé's work provides source material with established themes and narrative potential.

• Strong French Cast: The film features prominent French actors known for their intense performances.

• Ambitious Production Scale: The reported budget and focus on visual effects suggest a significant cinematic undertaking.

• Relevant Contemporary Themes: The film engages with timely concerns about AI, social inequality, and the future of urban life.

• Studiocanal Involvement: Having a major European studio handling sales and distribution is a significant asset.

Summary Short: Cédric Jimenez's "Dog 51 (2025)" is a dystopian crime thriller set in a near-future Paris divided by social zones and controlled by AI, where two cops investigate a murder that exposes the system's flaws. Starring Gilles Lellouche and Adèle Exarchopoulos, it's based on Laurent Gaudé's novel and will be released in France on October 15, 2025.

Reviews:

• Variety:  In the interview, Jimenez discusses his vision for the film, its dystopian Paris setting in 2045, and its exploration of themes such as AI and social divisions. The article also mentions Studiocanal launching sales for the film, indicating early industry positioning. While not a critical review, this article from a major publication like Variety signals the film's presence on the industry's radar and provides insight into the filmmaker's intentions and the movie's thematic focus.

• ScreenDaily: This industry publication included "Chien 51" in a January 2025 feature highlighting "75 films to tempt festival directors." The mention notes the film's genre as a sci-fi thriller, its setting in a dystopian Paris in 2045, and its "starry cast" including Gilles Lellouche, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Louis Garrel, Xavier Dolan, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi. It also points out that the film "tackles timely topics like AI and social divisions." Like the Variety piece, this is an industry preview that emphasizes the film's potential appeal and relevant themes rather than offering critical assessment.

• Other Online Sources: Searches on other online film platforms and databases show the film's basic information, cast, and genre. A very brief, informal positive comment was found on a French library website ("Avec son trio d'acteurs, Cédric Jimenez réalise un film fort et prenant à voir sans attendre") but this is not a formal review from a recognized critical outlet.

Summary of Critics Reception and Reviews:

As of now, there is no significant body of critical reception or published reviews for "Dog 51" in major online film magazines like Variety, IndieWire, or ScreenDaily. The coverage available in these publications is limited to:

• Early announcements and market information (Variety, ScreenDaily).

• Interviews with the director discussing the film's themes and production (Variety).

• Industry previews highlighting the film's genre, cast, and topical relevance (ScreenDaily).

Production: "Dog 51 (2025)," or "Chien 51," is a French production directed by Cédric

Jimenez. He co-wrote the screenplay with Olivier Demangel, adapting Laurent Gaudé's novel. The film is produced by Hugo Selignac at Chi-Fou-Mi Productions, a Mediawan company. The ensemble cast features prominent French actors including Gilles Lellouche, Adèle Exarchopoulos, Louis Garrel, Valeria Bruni Tedeschi, Romain Duris, Artus, Lala&ce, and Sadou Bah. The film is reported to have a budget in the €40-million range, indicating a significant production scale with a focus on visual effects and creating an immersive futuristic Paris. Filming took place in Paris and Marseille, as well as in a studio. Underwater sequences were also part of the production, handled by Bluearth Production.

Production Companies:

• Chi-Fou-Mi Productions (France) - A Mediawan company.

• Other co-production partners may be involved given the budget and international sales, but are not explicitly detailed in the primary search results.

Sales Companies:

• Studiocanal (Worldwide) - Handling international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• Studiocanal (France) - Distributing in France.

• Distribution in Spain is scheduled for December 5, 2025, but the specific distributor is not named.

• Distribution in other territories will be handled by companies that acquire the rights from Studiocanal.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• From a Skilled Thriller Director: Cédric Jimenez has a strong track record in creating intense and realistic crime dramas.

• Intriguing Dystopian Premise: The film offers a compelling vision of a near-future Paris controlled by AI and divided by class.

• Based on a Praised Novel: Laurent Gaudé's source material provides a strong narrative foundation.

• Talented Ensemble Cast: Features many prominent and respected French actors.

• Ambitious Production: The film's budget and focus on visual effects suggest a significant cinematic experience.

• Relevant Social Commentary: Addresses timely issues of AI, technology, and social inequality.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Enjoy Dystopian Sci-Fi Thrillers: Experience a film that blends futuristic elements with a crime investigation.

• Interested in French Cinema: See a major French production with a renowned director and cast.

• For Films with Social and Technological Themes: Explore a story that raises questions about the impact of AI and societal structures.

• Appreciate Intense and Realistic Direction: Cédric Jimenez's style is known for its raw energy.

• Curious About Adaptations of Contemporary Novels: See how Laurent Gaudé's book is brought to the screen.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Dystopian Futures / Sci-Fi Thrillers with Social Commentary / AI in Film: The film aligns with the prevalent trend of exploring dystopian societies and the potential negative consequences of technological advancement, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence. It also fits within the genre of sci-fi thrillers that use futuristic settings to comment on contemporary social and political issues.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Growing Concerns About Artificial Intelligence and its Societal Impact: The film directly engages with the major global conversation and increasing anxieties surrounding the rapid development and implementation of AI, including its potential effects on employment, surveillance, social structures, and the balance of power. It taps into the public's fascination and apprehension regarding the future of technology.

Final Verdict: "Dog 51 (2025)," or "Chien 51," is poised to be a significant and compelling dystopian crime thriller from Cédric Jimenez. Building on his proven ability to craft intense and realistic narratives, Jimenez takes on an ambitious project set in a chilling near-future Paris controlled by AI and fractured by inequality. The film's intriguing premise, based on Laurent Gaudé's novel, combined with a talented ensemble cast and a substantial production scale, makes it a highly anticipated release. By blending a compelling murder mystery with timely social commentary on the impact of technology and the dangers of unchecked power, "Dog 51" promises to be a thought-provoking and visually impressive cinematic experience. While critical reception and box office performance remain to be seen, the film represents an exciting foray into genre for Jimenez and a relevant exploration of contemporary anxieties about the future.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Adapt Relevant Literary Works: Basing a film on a well-regarded novel with strong thematic content can provide a solid foundation.

• Explore Contemporary Concerns Through Genre: Using sci-fi or dystopian elements can be an effective way to engage with current social and technological issues.

• Maintain a Distinctive Style Even in a New Genre: Jimenez's intention to bring raw realism to a futuristic setting is a notable approach.

• Utilize Ensemble Casts to Enhance Storytelling: A strong cast with diverse talents can elevate a film with multiple character perspectives.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Genre Films with Social and Intellectual Depth: Encourage the production and distribution of sci-fi or thrillers that go beyond pure entertainment to offer meaningful commentary.

• Invest in Ambitious International Co-productions: Support films with significant production values that bring together talent from different countries.

• Recognize the Global Appeal of Dystopian and Sci-Fi Stories: These genres have a wide audience and can resonate across cultures.

• Promote Films Based on Successful Literary Adaptations: Leverage the existing readership of a novel to build anticipation for the film.