Entertainment · Film · 10 hrs ago
New big-budget Les Misérables adaptation draws mixed reviews
Fred Cavayé’s new Les Misérables film opens in French cinemas on October 14.
It adapts Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, a story that has been brought to the screen many times.
Vincent Lindon plays Jean Valjean, a former prisoner trying to change his life, while Tahar Rahim plays inspector Javert, who pursues him.
The film also features Camille Cottin and Benjamin Lavernhe as the Thénardiers, and uses action scenes and a large cast to present the familiar story on a grand scale.
Reviews say the adaptation adds little that is distinctive and reduces the novel’s complexity.
One review also criticizes its uneven tone, while noting the Thénardiers’ comic scenes.
The film’s release continues French cinema’s interest in adapting literary classics, following projects such as The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Fred Cavayé’s big-budget adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is due in cinemas on 14 October.
The film stars Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean and Tahar Rahim as Inspector Javert.
Le HuffPost criticizes its uneven tone, rushed plot and dated-looking production, despite some comic scenes.
Le Monde says the film adds little that is distinctive and removes much of the novel’s complexity.
The production had a reported budget of €34 million and used 3,500 extras.
- Who
- Director Fred Cavayé made the film, which stars Vincent Lindon, Tahar Rahim, Camille Cottin and Benjamin Lavernhe.
- What
- A new big-budget film adaptation of Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables.
- When
- It is set to open on Wednesday, 14 October 2026.
- Where
- In cinemas; the articles discuss its release in France.
- Why
- The filmmakers said they wanted to bring the book’s romantic power to the screen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Victor Hugo’s novel Les Misérables was published.
Fred Cavayé’s film is scheduled to open in cinemas.
- Director
- Fred Cavayé
- Budget
- €34 million
- Runtime
- 3 hours
- Extras
- 3,500
- Release
- 14 October 2026
3 sources
2 ans après Le Comte de Monte-Cristo, comment Les Misérables veut s'imposer comme le nouveau blockbuster français
« Les Misérables » : Même Camille Cottin et Benjamin Lavernhe ne sauvent pas cette nouvelle adaptation
« Les Misérables », de Fred Cavayé : une galerie de vedettes pour une version ripolinée du chef-d’œuvre de Victor Hugo
What people are saying
La loi, c’est moi.