New Trailers: Kika (2025) by Alexe Poukine

"Kika (2025)": A Tragicomic Fight for Survival

Description: Belgian filmmaker Alexe Poukine's debut fiction feature, "Kika (2025)," is a tragicomic drama that plunges into the life of a young woman facing immense hardship. When Kika's partner suddenly dies while she is pregnant with their second child, she is left heartbroken and financially desperate. The film follows her determined and sometimes unconventional efforts to stay strong and quickly find a way to make money to survive and provide for her children.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt33400055/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/477556/

About movie: https://www.semainedelacritique.com/en/edition/2025/movie/kika

https://www.totem-films.com/films/kika/

Release Date on Streaming: A specific streaming release date for "Kika (2025)" is not widely available. Its availability on streaming platforms will follow its theatrical releases in Belgium, France, and potentially other territories, and will depend on distribution deals.

Theatrical Release: "Kika (2025)" had its World Premiere in competition at Cannes Critics' Week in May 2025. It is scheduled for theatrical release in France by Condor Distribution and in Belgium by Imagine. Specific release dates beyond the Cannes premiere are not consistently available, but the Cannes selection is a crucial launchpad for its theatrical distribution.

Detailed Summary: The film centers on Kika, whose life is turned upside down by the unexpected death of her partner. Already pregnant with their second child, she is left to navigate her profound grief while simultaneously facing severe financial difficulties. With a child already to care for and another on the way, Kika's priorities abruptly shift to survival. Heartbroken and broke, she understands she must find a way to generate income quickly and maintain her emotional strength. The film is described as painting a tragicomic portrait of a young woman weighed down by material life but possessing an underlying resilience. As Kika grapples with her new reality, she is forced to confront challenging circumstances and potentially unexpected sources of help, navigating a path that is likely both emotionally taxing and darkly humorous. The narrative explores how she finds answers and strength in unforeseen places as she fights to rebuild her life for herself and her children.

Plot Summary:

• Kika's partner dies suddenly while she is pregnant with their second child.

• She is left heartbroken and facing significant financial problems.

• Kika prioritizes staying strong and finding ways to make money quickly.

• The film follows her efforts to survive and provide for her children under difficult circumstances.

• She encounters unexpected challenges and potentially unconventional help.

The plot is a grounded, character-driven drama focused on a woman's resilience in the face of tragedy and economic hardship.

Director's Vision: "Kika (2025)" marks Alexe Poukine's first foray into fiction feature filmmaking, following her acclaimed documentary work and a successful short fiction film. Poukine, who also co-wrote the screenplay, drew inspiration for "Kika" in part from a previous short film where she explored financial struggles and the hypothetical consideration of selling sexual services. Her vision for "Kika" is to deliver a "gut-punch drama" about the economic and emotional hardship faced by a woman struggling to recover after a devastating event. Poukine aims to paint a singular portrait of Kika as a deeply kind woman who is constantly in overdrive, using irony as a defense mechanism and often feeling somewhat removed from her experiences as a way to cope. She sees Kika as someone who is always, to some extent, performing to control her emotions and environment. Poukine spent considerable time casting the role of Kika, seeking an actress who could be endearing enough for the audience to connect with, even as the character embarks on difficult paths. The film is intended as a reflection on vulnerability and how someone gets back up after being knocked down.

Themes:

• Grief and Loss: The film explores the profound emotional impact of the sudden death of a partner.

• Financial Hardship and Survival: A central theme is the struggle to make ends meet and the lengths one might go to for survival in the face of poverty.

• Single Motherhood: The film delves into the unique challenges and responsibilities of being a single parent.

• Resilience and Strength: Kika's character embodies the theme of human resilience and the capacity to endure and fight despite overwhelming circumstances.

• Vulnerability: The film is part of Poukine's broader reflection on vulnerability and how individuals cope with immense pressure.

• Societal Pressure: Kika likely faces societal expectations and judgments related to her situation.

• Finding Help in Unexpected Places: The plot suggests that Kika may find assistance from unconventional sources.

Key Success Factors:

• Compelling and Emotionally Resonant Subject Matter: The film tackles universal themes of loss, hardship, and resilience.

• Strong Lead Performance: Manon Clavel's portrayal of Kika is central to the film's success and was a key focus during casting.

• Director's Proven Ability to Explore Difficult Topics: Alexe Poukine's background in documentaries and previous work suggests a sensitive and insightful approach to challenging themes.

• Prestigious Festival Premiere: Being selected for Cannes Critics' Week provides significant international visibility and critical attention.

• Authentic Portrayal of Struggle: The film aims for a raw and honest depiction of Kika's economic and emotional journey.

Summary Short: In Alexe Poukine's debut fiction feature "Kika (2025)," a young woman pregnant with her second child must cope with the sudden death of her partner, facing financial ruin and fighting for survival with resilience and dark humor. The film premiered at Cannes Critics' Week 2025.

Awards and Nominations: "Kika (2025)" had its World Premiere in competition at Cannes Critics' Week in May 2025. This is a significant honor for a debut fiction feature. While specific major award wins are not yet widely reported as of May 17, 2025, the film's selection for Critics' Week is a form of recognition. Some search results mention "Kika Nominations Winners (2025)," but the specific awards are not clearly detailed beyond mentions of individuals potentially related to the film's crew in other contexts.

Critics Reception: Given its very recent premiere at Cannes Critics' Week, comprehensive critical reviews for "Kika (2025)" are just beginning to emerge. However, its selection for this prestigious sidebar of the Cannes Film Festival indicates a strong positive reception from the Critics' Week programming committee.

• Cineuropa: In an early review, describes "Kika" as continuing Poukine's reflection on vulnerability, painting a "singular portrait with collective resonance of a young woman who loves and suffers in equal measure, weighed down by material life, but who ends up finding answers to questions she'd never dared ask along the way."

• Cannes Critics' Week Delegate (Ava Cahen): Described the film as being about "how a single mother gets knocked down and finds a way to get back up again."

Overall Critics Reception: Based on its selection for Cannes Critics' Week and initial positive mentions, "Kika" appears to be starting with a strong critical reception, recognized for its powerful portrayal of a woman's struggle and the director's insightful approach to themes of vulnerability and resilience.

Reviews: Detailed reviews are anticipated following the film's premiere and screenings at Cannes. Early indications suggest that reviews will likely focus on:

• Manon Clavel's performance: Given the director's emphasis on casting the right actress and the demanding nature of the role, Clavel's portrayal of Kika is expected to be a key focus of critical attention.

• Alexe Poukine's direction and storytelling: Reviewers will likely comment on her transition to fiction feature filmmaking, her handling of the tragicomic tone, and her approach to portraying hardship and resilience.

• The film's emotional impact and authenticity: Critics will assess how effectively the film conveys Kika's emotional and financial struggles and whether the narrative feels authentic and moving.

• The blend of drama and dark humor: The success of the film's tragicomic tone in navigating a difficult subject will likely be discussed.

Overall Reviews: Early reviews suggest that "Kika" is a promising debut fiction feature, with initial critical response highlighting its powerful central performance, its honest portrayal of hardship, and Alexe Poukine's insightful direction.

Production: "Kika (2025)" is a co-production between Belgium and France. The film was directed by Alexe Poukine, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Thomas Van Zuylen. Producers include Benoît Roland and François-Pierre Clavel, with Alexandre Perrier also listed as a producer. Production companies involved are Belgian company Wrong Men (and Wrong Men North) and French company Kidam. The cast is led by French actress Manon Clavel as Kika, with a supporting cast that includes Makita Samba, Thomas Coumans, and Bernard Blancan. Colin Lévêque was the cinematographer, and Pierre Desprats composed the music.

Production Companies:

• Wrong Men / Wrong Men North (Belgium)

• Kidam (France)

Sales Companies:

• Totem Films (France) - Handles international sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• Condor Distribution (France)

• Imagine (Belgium)

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Powerful and Timely Subject Matter: The film addresses the harsh realities of grief, financial hardship, and single motherhood.

• Promising Debut Fiction Feature: See the first narrative feature film from the talented Alexe Poukine.

• Strong Lead Performance: Manon Clavel's portrayal of Kika is expected to be a highlight.

• Unique Blend of Drama and Dark Humor: The tragicomic tone offers a distinct perspective on difficult experiences.

• Prestigious Festival Recognition: Premiering in competition at Cannes Critics' Week is a significant mark of quality.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Appreciate Character-Driven Dramas: Experience a film that focuses on the emotional and personal journey of a resilient protagonist.

• Interested in Films About Overcoming Adversity: Be inspired by Kika's fight for survival and strength.

• For European Arthouse Cinema: Discover a critically recognized film from Belgium and France.

• To See a Director's Transition to Fiction: Observe Alexe Poukine's approach to narrative filmmaking.

• Interested in Films That Explore Vulnerability and Resilience: The film offers insights into the human capacity to cope with immense pressure.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Social Realism in Drama / Films Focusing on Female Resilience: The film aligns with the trend of dramas that ground themselves in social realism, portraying the difficult realities of everyday life and economic hardship. It also fits within the trend of films that center strong female protagonists and explore their resilience in overcoming significant challenges. The blend of tragicomedy connects it to contemporary European cinema that uses humor to address serious issues.

What Big Social Trend is Following: Increasing Awareness of Economic Inequality and Precarity: The film's focus on financial hardship and the struggle for survival resonates with growing global concerns about economic inequality and the precariousness of life for many individuals and families, particularly single mothers. It contributes to a broader conversation about the social safety nets and support systems available to those facing crisis.

Final Verdict: Alexe Poukine's "Kika (2025)" is a compelling and impactful debut fiction feature that tackles themes of grief, financial hardship, and single motherhood with a powerful blend of drama and dark humor. Anchored by what is expected to be a strong performance from Manon Clavel, the film offers a raw and resilient portrait of a woman fighting for survival against overwhelming odds. Poukine's transition to narrative filmmaking is marked by a clear artistic vision and a continued focus on exploring vulnerability and the human capacity to endure. Premiering in competition at Cannes Critics' Week is a significant testament to the film's quality and its potential to resonate with international audiences. "Kika" is a promising and essential piece of contemporary European cinema that offers a timely and emotionally resonant look at finding strength and unexpected help in the darkest of times.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Draw on Past Work and Personal Interests: Poukine's transition from documentaries and her recurring themes demonstrate the value of building upon previous explorations and personal interests.

• Embrace a Specific Tone to Navigate Difficult Subject Matter: Using tragicomedy allows for a nuanced and engaging approach to otherwise heavy themes.

• Focus on Character-Driven Storytelling: Creating a compelling and relatable protagonist is key to drawing viewers into a difficult narrative.

• Invest Time in Casting the Right Lead: Finding the perfect actor for a demanding central role is crucial for the film's emotional impact.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Support Documentary Filmmakers Transitioning to Fiction: Recognize the skills and unique perspectives that documentary filmmakers can bring to narrative features.

• Champion Films That Explore Social Realism with Artistic Vision: Encourage and distribute films that ground themselves in real-world issues while employing distinct artistic approaches.

• Provide Platforms for Stories of Female Resilience: Support films that center strong female protagonists overcoming adversity.

• Recognize the Importance of Film Festival Showcases: Acknowledge the crucial role of festivals like Cannes Critics' Week in launching independent and international films and bringing them to the attention of distributors and audiences.