The Birthday Party () 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.
The film had its world premiere in the main competition of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on 22 May, where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or and won CST Award for Best Young Female Artist-Technician. It was theatrically 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.
Cast Hafsia Herzi as Nora Benoît Magimel as Franck Bastien Bouillon as Thomas Monica Bellucci as Cristina Tawba El Gharchi Paul Hamy as Flo Alane Delhaye Servane Ducorps Tatia Tsuladze
Production In October 2023, it was announced Léa Mysius would write and direct an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Laurent Mauvignier, with Jean-Louis Livi and Marie-Ange Luciani set to produce. In June 2025, it was announced Hafsia Herzi, Benoît Magimel, Bastien Bouillon, Monica Bellucci and Paul Hamy had joined the cast of the film.
Principal photography commenced on 2 June 2025 in Nouvelle-Aquitaine. The film was shot primarily on a private farm in La Croix-sur-Gartempe, with additional filming taking place in Nantiat. It had approximately a €4.98 million euros budget..
Release In January 2026, it was announced MK2 Films had boarded international sales, with Le Pacte set to distribute in France. It had its world premiere at the main competition of the 2026 Cannes Film Festival on 22 May. It was screened in the Summer Screen Programme section of the 32nd Sarajevo Film Festival in August 2026.
It was released in France on 16 September 2026. Reception Critical response On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 58% based on 19 reviews, with an average rating of 5.5/10. On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 55 out of 100, based on 8 critics, indicating "mixed or average reviews".
Accolades Award Date of ceremony Category Recipient(s) Result Cannes Film Festival 23 May 2026 Palme d'Or Léa Mysius CST Award for Best Young Female Artist-Technician Esther Mysius
References
External links
The Birthday Party at Cannes Film Festival