This is a masterpiece - engrossing from start to finish
The Count of Monte Cristo is the Centrepiece Selection of the 2025 Alliance Française French Film Festival and is simply a must-see.
This film adaptation was thrilling from beginning to end. The producers and screenplay writers of this production, Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière, are incredibly skilled; their ability to keep me completely absorbed throughout is impressive, especially in an era when even much shorter films can fail to hold my attention. The three hours flew by so quickly that there was no time for my mind to wander.
We are immediately drawn into the film with an intense action scene – the near drowning of Angelè (Adèle Simphal) and her subsequent rescue by Edmond Dantès (Pierre Niney). But who can prepare you for what is yet to come? In a flurry, Dantès becomes Captain and in doing so, can finally be with his love, Mercédès (Anaïs Demoustier). However, they share only a fleeting moment of happiness before their lives are upended. More so, Dantès.
From the moment Dantès meets Abbé Faria (Pierfrancesco Favino) in the island prison of Château d’If, and hears the question “will you do good, or will you let hate fill your heart?” we are reminded why the magnificent novel by Alexandre Dumas (with ghostwriter Auguste Maquet) has lasted the test of time. Its themes are still relevant today – revenge, corruption, jealousy, ego, justice, love, forgiveness and choice. Is revenge, when wronged, a personal choice that can destroy you; or is it justice? Is choosing to forgive and take a different path a better outcome?
Whatever your verdict, there’s still something undeniably satisfying about seeing justice served. Watching how Dantès life was completely upended while his conspirers remain unaffected, their consciences not even weighing on them, is both infuriating and thought-provoking. How many lives can be ruined before a perpetrator starts to care? When someone follows the path of vengeance and everything turns around, is it not fulfilling? This film is a masterpiece, playing on your mind in this way.
Just as powerful as the story and dialogues are the performances of the cast. If I were to talk about each cast member’s portrayal individually, I would be writing forever. I was so impressed by all of them. It is so unusual to have such a well-rounded cast!! Needless to say, the casting by Elodie Demey was spot on, superbly costumed by Thierry Delettre, with equally fitting set design by Stephane Taillason, I just want to watch it again!
The Count of Monte Cristo received 14 nominations at the 2025 César Awards – to name a few: Best Film, Director, Actor, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, Costumes and Production Design. Jérôme Rebotier’s powerful and original music matches the visual appeal and its emotive themes (also nominated for a 2025 César Award).
I highly recommend watching it at the movies to fully appreciate the spectacular landscapes, the performances of the cast, the music, and the costumes. Although it sounds like a long film, it has perfect pacing and brilliant editing (by Célia Lafitedupont, whose skill was also acknowledged by its 2025 César Award nomination), and I guarantee it will keep you hooked.
The Count of Monte Cristo is currently showing as part of the French Film Festival at Palace Nova Eastend and Prospect.
Click here for further information.
Click here for screening times and to book tickets.
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