Adele Haenel Movies
Dive into the captivating world of French cinema star Adele Haenel as we highlight her impressive contributions to the industry through a selection of her finest movies. From indie films to mainstream blockbusters, we’ve gathered the must-watch movies that showcase Haenel’s versatility and talent.
Get ready to be enchanted by Adele Haenel as we guide you through a mesmerizing journey of her career, revealing the essence of her exceptional performances and captivating on-screen presence.
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1. The Devils (2002)
“The Devils” follows the journey of orphaned 12-year-old twins Joseph and Chloé who dream of finding each other’s true parents and overcoming the challenges in their way. Chloé, non-verbal and struggling with autism, relies on her protective brother, Joseph. Together, they fight against the system that has placed obstacles in their quest for happiness and the hopeful reunion with their long-lost family.
2. Water Lilies (2007)
“Water Lilies, “ also known as “Naissance des pieuvres, “ is a captivating coming-of-age drama directed by Céline Sciamma. The movie, released in 2007, beautifully explores the intricacies of teenage sexuality through the love triangle between three young girls, while navigating the challenges they face during their summer break.
3. Déchaînées (2009)
“Déchaînées” is a thought-provoking drama exploring the intertwined lives of two lookalikes. Set in 2009, the film revolves around 19-year-old Lucy, an intern at a Swiss TV network, whose life takes a curious turn when she stumbles upon her doppelganger in archival footage about a local women’s-lib movement from the 1970s. Ignoring her family’s resistance, Lucy becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind this enigmatic figure named Genevieve, who was a controversial feminist during that era. Directed by Raymond Vouillamoz and written by Stéphane Mitchell, “Déchaînées” weaves together themes of family secrets, resistance, and the pursuit of truth. The film features a talented cast, including Adèle Haenel, Irène Jacob, and Paolina Biguine. With stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack, this French drama is sure to leave you questioning the meaning of identity and uncovering the hidden stories of the past. Featuring a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes and a certified IMDb rating of 7.0, “Déchaînées” explores the complexities of identity and the powerful influence of family dynamics on personal narratives. A must-see for fans of drama, this movie is a fascinating exploration of history, family, and the mysteries that lie unexplored within the archives of our past.
4. Heat Wave (2011)
“Heat Wave” is an intense drama set in the sun-kissed south of France. It follows the lives of a stunning young girl, her tormented boyfriend, her enigmatic mother, and their gruff neighbor as their tangled secrets lead to a series of shocking events.
5. Iris in Bloom (2011)
Iris in Bloom, originally titled En ville, is a heart-wrenching drama that explores the complexities of a male-female relationship. The story follows Iris, a young teenager from a small provincial town, as she navigates her way through the challenges and beauty of adolescence. When she unexpectedly meets Jean, a talented and seasoned photographer from Paris, their connection blossoms into an unexpected and passionate friendship.
6. House of Tolerance (2011)
“House of Tolerance” is a captivating, sultry drama set in a Parisian brothel at the turn of the 20th century. This elegant yet clandestine world, where pleasure, pain, hope, and rivalries intertwine, offers an intimate glimpse into the harsh reality of slavery. The film explores the lives of the women confined within these walls, their longing for freedom, and the complex relationships that form amidst their confinement.
7. Three Worlds (2012)
In “Three Worlds, “ a drama film from 2012, three men find themselves entangled in a hit-and-run accident that becomes a tragic mystery. When the wife of the deceased victim discovers the truth about her husband’s death, the men find themselves in the middle of a dangerous game.
8. Aliyah (2012)
“Aliyah” is a riveting drama from 2012 that follows the story of drug dealer Alex who is given a second chance at life when his cousin offers him a job in Israel. With his cousin’s assistance, he must make one final score while balancing the complexities of his new romance, old lover, lifelong friendship, and his brother’s addiction.
9. The Staple of News (2013)
“The Staple of News, “ also known as “Suzanne, “ is a captivating French drama film released in 2013. Directed by Katell Quillévéré, this movie takes the audience on an emotional journey as it delves into the intricacies of a family and an enthralling love affair. The protagonist, Suzanne, played by Sara Forestier, takes center stage, narrating the story with her remarkable and relatable performance.
10. Girlhood (2014)
Girlhood, also known as Bande de filles, is a 2014 French drama film directed and written by Céline Sciamma. The movie explores the coming-of-age story of a young girl who joins a gang in Paris, gaining a new perspective on life and a boost in self-confidence. However, she soon learns that this new life does not necessarily bring her happiness.
11. In the Name of My Daughter (2014)
“In the Name of My Daughter” is a riveting crime drama that tells the story of Agnès Le Roux, a young woman who yearns for a fresh start in Nice, France in 1976. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the South of France, the film unravels as Agnès finds solace in the arms of an older lawyer. However, her pursuit of happiness is marred by the secrets and mysteries that surround her past relationships.
12. Love at First Fight (2014)
“Love at First Fight” is an enchanting adventure-romance movie backdrop in the beautiful south of France. The plotline revolves around Arnaud, who seems to have a serene summer ahead, marked with friends, family business, and a tranquil way of life. However, all peace is short-lived when he meets the enigmatic Madeleine, a mesmerizing woman with rugged charm, a secretive aura, and an uncanny knack for predicting impending doom.
13. The Forbidden Room (2015)
“The Forbidden Room” is a whimsical, comedic journey through an eclectic amalgamation of experiences. In this non-linear narrative, a submarine crew joins forces with a woodsman to embark on a wild and perplexing voyage.
14. Ogres (2015)
“Ogres, “ directed by Léa Fehner and written by Anton Chekhov, Catherine Paillé, and Léa Fehner, is an engaging drama film that transports viewers to a world of travelling theatre where ogres, big-top giants, bring dreams and disorder to people’s lives. The story revolves around an almost-forgotten former lover and the imminent arrival of a baby, causing the resurrection of almost-forgotten feelings. Set against the backdrop of the theatre, the film portrays the emotional journey of the characters while maintaining a sense of uncertainty and unpredictability throughout.
15. The Unknown Girl (2016)
“The Unknown Girl” is a powerful, mystery-filled film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This intriguing tale, directed by the Dardenne brothers, tells the story of a dedicated female doctor whose world is shattered when she discovers the chilling truth behind the death of a stranger who had knocked on her door seeking help. As she becomes obsessed with uncovering the secrets that surround this enigmatic woman, she is forced to confront the darker aspects of her own life and the complexities of the doctor-patient relationship.
16. The Bloom of Yesterday (2016)
Embark on an enthralling journey of romance, comedy, and drama with “The Bloom of Yesterday” (2016). This film stars Lars Eidinger, Adèle Haenel, and Jan Josef Liefers, as they navigate a Holocaust researcher named Toto, and his newfound assistant Zazie (Jewish by origin) as they plan for their star guest’s illustrious Congress event.
17. Nocturama (2016)
“Nocturama” is a thought-provoking drama-thriller set in Paris, France, where a group of young individuals, disillusioned with society, hatches a plan to strike back by planting a bomb in the city. As they flee the scene, they find refuge in a local shopping center, where they plan to spend the night. The film explores themes of post-punk aesthetics, the consequences of violence, and the resilience of humanity.
18. Orphan (2016)
“Orphan” is a gripping tale set in the streets of Paris, following a young woman who, with her tumultuous past, arrives in the city believing she has escaped her darkest secrets. However, as she grows older, the shadows of her past are brought back to life when unexpected characters enter her world. Giving her a chance to become an unforgettable heroine, the film is infused with a unique and suspenseful twist, making it a must-watch for fans of crime, drama, and thriller genres.
19. 120 BPM (2017)
“120 BPM” is a gripping drama, released in 2017, that explores the untold story of the early ’90s AIDS epidemic and the activism that emerged in the face of the crisis. Set in Paris, the film follows the passionate members of the advocacy group ACT UP as they rally for government and pharmaceutical intervention. Through their dogged persistence and relentless determination, the activists force the world to pay attention to the devastating impact of AIDS and demand action.
20. The Trouble with You (2018)
“The Trouble with You, “ set against the French Riviera, follows Yvonne, a devoted police detective, and widowed wife of the town’s beloved police chief, Santi. However, she finds herself dealing with the unexpected revelation of her late husband’s true nature as a corrupt cop.
21. One Nation, One King (2018)
In the heart of the French Revolution, “One Nation, One King” (2018) delves into the interwoven fates of key historical figures, captivating audiences with a compelling drama set against the backdrop of 18th-century France.
22. Deerskin (2019)
“Deerskin” is a quirky and unique comedy-horror film that takes obsession to the extreme. The movie follows a man who becomes infatuated with his designer deerskin jacket, causing him to make reckless decisions and blow his life savings. Desperate to maintain his fashionable lifestyle, he turns to a life of crime, which spirals out of control.
23. Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019)
“Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving drama-romance film set in the late 18th century. Directed by Céline Sciamma and written by the same, the film centers around the life of a female painter who is commissioned to create a wedding portrait of a young woman on an isolated island in Brittany, France. The painter, Marianne, is captivated by the subject, Héloïse, and as their bond deepens, a passionate and forbidden love story unfolds. The film is a poignant examination of love and the constraints of societal expectations. The lush landscapes of Brittany and the meticulous period setting create a vivid backdrop for the blossoming relationship between the two women. Despite the looming threat of an arranged marriage and societal pressures, the pair’s tender connection is portrayed with exquisite detail and genuine emotion. Featuring stunning performances by the lead actors Noémie Merlant and Adèle Haenel, “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” is a must-watch for anyone seeking a cinematic experience that transcends boundaries and challenges the status quo. The film was nominated for one BAFTA Award and won numerous accolades, further cementing its status as a groundbreaking and unforgettable piece of cinema.
24. Heroes Don’t Die (2019)
“Heroes Don’t Die” (2019) is a thrilling drama film that follows Joachim, a young man who receives an unexpected claim from a man who believes he is the reincarnation of a Bosnian soldier who perished on the same day Joachim was born. Skeptical but intrigued, Joachim embarks on a journey to Sarajevo with his friends Alice and Virginie to unravel the truth behind his past life. The movie delves into the themes of reincarnation, the Bosnian War, and personal growth, as Joachim navigates the complexities of his past life and the present-day repercussions.
25. Regard noir (2021)
Regard noir, a thought-provoking documentary directed by Aïssa Maïga and Isabelle Simeoni, takes viewers on a worldwide journey. Starting from the glamorous steps of the Cannes film festival, Aïssa Maïga questions the way black women are portrayed onscreen. Featuring personal accounts from Adele Haenel, Ava DuVernay, Tais Araujo, Firmine Richard, and Sonia Roland, the film delves into the pressing issue of diversity in Hollywood and beyond.
26. Returning to Reims (Fragments) (2021)
Reims (Fragments), a compelling documentary, delves into the personal and political journey of the French working class, drawing on the work of Jean-Gabriel Périot and inspired by Didier Eribon’s novel. This captivating film traces the lives and struggles of the working-class community in France from the early 1950s to the present day.