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THE BIG HIT

EMMANUEL COURCOL | France | French | 2020 | 105 MIN

This warm-hearted French comedy follows an out-of-work actor whose career takes an unexpected turn when he begins giving acting lessons to prison inmates.

Divorced, middle-aged actor Etienne (Kad Merad) is at a personal and artistic standstill when he accepts a job leading a theater workshop at a nearby prison. Under the watchful eye of open-minded but cautious warden Ariane (Marina Hands), the workshop attracts a ragtag group, including hyperactive Jordan (Pierre Lottin), sincere Moussa (Wabinlé Nabié), and charismatic but complicated Kamel (Sofian Khammes). Etienne makes the controversial choice to have the men stage a production of Samuel Beckett’s avant-garde classic Waiting for Godot. To the surprise of many, the play’s existential themes prove to be a natural fit for the inmates, and the play is a rousing success. Yet as the production gains wider attention, Etienne is dogged by a question: is he truly invested in the success of his actors, or is the play just an attempt to jumpstart his own flagging career? Loosely based on real events and chock-full of endearing performances by some of France’s most talented character actors, The Big Hit is a delightful, uplifting celebration of camaraderie, art, and freedom.

CAST: Kad Merad, Marina Hands, Laurent Stocker, Wabinlé Nabié


All sales are final. You must be located within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or Delaware to stream this film. We suggest prioritizing your lineup and watching films as close to the premiere time as possible. This title will be available until November 2nd or until streaming capacity is reached.

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