Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater's latest film

Richard Linklater's dedication to indie filmmaking deserves praise. The director known for major successes like 2023's Hit Man, A Scanner Darkly, and School of Rock is a key figure in indie cinema, recognized for directing Slacker, Dazed and Confused, among others. His upcoming project, Nouvelle Vague, sees him returning to his low-budget origins. However, the film's "indie" status is in question since it was recently acquired by the largest streaming platform: Netflix.

Nouvelle Vague, Richard Linklater's latest film, recently premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving positive reviews and reactions from critics. During the festival, the film found a distributor, though long-time fans might be disappointed with the studio choice. Netflix has bought the distribution rights to Nouvelle Vague for a reported $4 million. This film is not Linklater's first venture with Netflix, following the 2023 action/comedy/romance Hit Man, featuring Glen Powell and Adria Arjona. However, its release on a streaming service carries an ironic twist.

Nouvelle Vague is described as Richard Linklater's homage to cinema, particularly to Jean-Luc Godard's Breathless, which is often regarded as a seminal film in cinema history. This new film represents Linklater's interpretation and retelling of the making of Godard's French New Wave masterpiece. Nouvelle Vague features Guillaume Marbeck as Godard, with Zoey Deutch, Adrien Rouyard, and Aubry Dullin in supporting roles. To fully capture its connection to Breathless, the entire film is shot in French.

There's some good news for those who enjoy the theatrical experience. Nouvelle Vague will have the required two-week theatrical release to qualify for major award submissions. However, due to the film's niche theme, it is unlikely to be shown in many theaters, as Netflix is expected to limit its theatrical run to the minimum necessary to meet awards criteria.