Richard Linklater’s “Nouvelle Vague” Brings French New Wave Legacy to U.S. Screens This October

Academy Award-nominated director Richard Linklater’s latest project, “Nouvelle Vague,” will make its U.S. theatrical debut on October 31, 2025, with screenings in major cities before heading to Netflix on November 14. The film, co-produced by ARP Productions and Detour Filmproduction, arrives on the heels of a celebrated world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, where it reportedly received an 11-minute standing ovation .

Set in Paris during the early 1960s, “Nouvelle Vague” explores the revolutionary period of the French New Wave through the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s iconic film “Breathless.” The story unfolds on and off the set, following Godard, Jean Seberg, and Jean-Paul Belmondo as they challenge cinematic conventions, social norms, and artistic limitations .

Shot entirely in black and white and in a 4:3 aspect ratio, Linklater’s film is a stylistic love letter to the era it depicts. The director, celebrated for his experimental approaches and authentic character studies, chose to film entirely in French, marking a first in his extensive filmography .

While “Nouvelle Vague” centers on a pivotal moment in film history, it also foregrounds the vibrant — though often understated — queer influences that permeated the French New Wave. The film’s screenplay, developed with input from contemporary queer film historians, highlights the fluidity of gender and sexuality that characterized the movement’s rebellious spirit .

Characters in the film, both real and composite, embody the era’s subversive exploration of identity. In dramatizing the lives of figures like Jean Seberg, who became an icon for both feminist and queer communities, “Nouvelle Vague” offers nuanced portrayals that resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences today . The production team has reportedly consulted with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups in both France and the U.S. to ensure an authentic and inclusive depiction of queer subtexts in 1960s French cinema .

The acquisition of U.S. distribution rights by Netflix for $4 million — one of the highest amounts paid for a foreign-language film at Cannes — signals not only commercial enthusiasm but also the growing appetite for globally minded, inclusive storytelling . The film’s limited theatrical release is set to include screenings at LGBTQ+-focused independent cinemas, with several venues planning panel discussions on queer history in film .

LGBTQ+ critics and filmmakers have praised Linklater’s sensitivity in handling complex histories and identities, especially in a genre that has often relegated queer narratives to subtext. “Nouvelle Vague” is anticipated to spark renewed conversations about the intersection of art, activism, and representation in both historical and contemporary contexts .

With its U.S. debut strategically timed for awards season, “Nouvelle Vague” is poised to become a touchstone for discussions about diversity and authenticity in film. The movie’s blend of historical homage and present-day relevance makes it a standout release not only for cinephiles but also for LGBTQ+ viewers seeking stories that reflect their experiences and contributions to cultural innovation.

The film’s journey from Cannes to American audiences underscores the enduring legacy of the French New Wave, and the vital role that LGBTQ+ voices — past and present — continue to play in shaping the stories we tell.