The Birthday Party (2026 film)
2026 drama film by Léa Mysius
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The Birthday Party (French: Histoires de la Nuit, lit. 'Night Stories') is a 2026 French drama film written and directed by Léa Mysius. It is based upon the novel of the same name by Laurent Mauvignier. It stars Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel, Bastien Bouillon, Monica Bellucci, Tawba El Gharchi and Paul Hamy.[1]
by Laurent Mauvignier
| The Birthday Party | |
|---|---|
| French | Histoires de la Nuit |
| Directed by | Léa Mysius |
| Written by | Léa Mysius |
| Based on | The Birthday Party by Laurent Mauvignier |
| Produced by | |
| Starring |
|
| Cinematography | Paul Guilhaume |
| Edited by | Yorgos Lamprinos |
| Music by | Florencia Di Concilio |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Le Pacte |
Release dates |
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Running time | 114 minutes |
| Country | France |
| Language | French |
The film had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on 22 May,[2] where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. It is scheduled to be released in France by Le Pacte on 16 September.
Premise
Thomas, Nora, and their daughter Ida, live on a remote marshland, with limited social contact apart from their one neighbor. As they plan a surprise birthday party for Nora, strange disturbances begin to occur.[3]
Cast
- Hafsia Herzi as Nora
- Benoît Magimel
- Bastien Bouillon as Thomas
- Monica Bellucci as Cristina
- Tawba El Gharchi
- Paul Hamy
- Alane Delhaye
- Servane Ducorps
- Tatia Tsuladze
Production
In October 2023, it was announced Léa Mysius would write and direct an adaption of the novel of the same name by Laurent Mauvignier, with Jean-Louis Livi and Marie-Ange Luciani set to produce.[4] In June 2025, it was announced Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel, Bastien Bouillon, Monica Bellucci and Paul Hamy had joined the cast of the film.[5][6]
Principal photography commenced on 2 June 2025 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.[7][8] The film was shot primarily on a private farm in La Croix-sur-Gartempe, with additional filming taking place in Nantiat.[9][10]