Movies - Elyas: A New French Action Thriller by Florent-Emilio Siri Set for Summer 2024 Release

By Mulder, 04 june 2024

The highly anticipated French action film Elyas, directed by Florent-Emilio Siri, is scheduled to hit theaters on July 3, 2024. This riveting thriller stars the acclaimed Roschdy Zem as the eponymous character, alongside Laëtitia Eïdo and newcomer Jeanne Michel. The film promises to be a standout entry in the action genre, offering both thrilling sequences and a deep exploration of its protagonist’s psyche.

Elyas tells the gripping story of a former special forces operative, Elyas, who is deeply scarred both physically and mentally from his service in Afghanistan. Hired to protect Amina and her 13-year-old daughter Nour, who are hiding in a castle in the United Arab Emirates, Elyas faces a new enemy when a commando unit targets them. As the ex-warrior and the young girl get to know each other, Elyas must confront his own demons and do everything in his power to protect them from the relentless attackers. The film delves into Elyas's struggle to shield them from harm, revealing his complex character shaped by trauma and paranoia.

Filming for Elyas began in July 2023 in Morocco and continued in the Paris region until September 2023. Originally, some scenes were set to be filmed at a freeway service area in Forges, Seine-et-Marne, but this was cancelled due to overwhelming crowds. The film's intense 10-week shooting schedule reflects the dedication of the cast and crew to deliver a high-quality action thriller. The choice of diverse filming locations adds to the authenticity and visual richness of the movie, bringing to life the stark contrasts between Elyas's internal world and the external threats he faces.

Florent-Emilio Siri, known for his meticulous approach to action cinema, collaborates with producer Mathias Rubin and co-writer Nicolas Laquerriere to craft a narrative that combines action with profound psychological depth. In an interview, Siri emphasized the influence of classic 1970s thrillers and the importance of building Elyas’s character gradually. He aims to engage viewers not just through spectacular action sequences but also by exploring the protagonist's inner turmoil. Siri's commitment to character-driven storytelling ensures that Elyas will resonate with audiences on multiple levels, blending intense action with a compelling emotional journey.

The film stars Roschdy Zem, who delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Elyas. Zem's portrayal is expected to capture the character's complex psychological landscape, drawing from his extensive experience in action and dramatic roles. Laëtitia Eïdo plays Amina, while Jeanne Michel, making her impressive debut, plays Nour. Michel's natural talent and emotional depth captured the attention of the casting director, Marie-France Michel, who recognized her potential during an impromptu audition. The supporting cast includes Dimitri Storoge, Frédéric Maranber, Aguibou Ba, Leonid Glushchenko, Sherwan Haji, and Nabil Elouahabi, each contributing to the film's dynamic and engaging ensemble.

The technical aspects of Elyas are equally impressive, featuring a score by renowned composers Jean-Pascal Beintus and Alexandre Desplat, with cinematography by Giovanni Fiore Coltellacci and editing by Olivier Gajan. Special effects are supervised by Georges Demetrau, while stunts are coordinated by Jérôme Gaspard. The film's visual style and tightly choreographed action scenes are designed to immerse audiences fully in Elyas’s harrowing journey. Siri’s approach to the film’s visual narrative ensures that each frame contributes to the overall tension and emotional impact, enhancing the storytelling through carefully crafted cinematography and editing.

Florent-Emilio Siri drew inspiration from real-life events and contemporary issues, such as forced marriages and familial conflicts within royal families. These elements add layers of realism and urgency to the fictional narrative, making Elyas a reflection of both personal and societal struggles. Siri’s ability to weave these themes into an action-packed storyline highlights his skill in creating films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. The director’s previous works have demonstrated his talent for balancing action with deeper messages, and Elyas continues this tradition.

The film’s release is highly anticipated, with Studiocanal set to distribute it in France. Expectations are high for a strong box office performance, given the film’s compelling storyline and star-studded cast. The combination of a summer release date and the growing excitement among fans and critics alike suggests that Elyas will be a major hit. Studiocanal’s support for the project underscores the confidence in Siri’s vision and the film’s potential to resonate with a broad audience.

Elyas promises to be a standout entry in the action genre, offering both thrilling sequences and a deep exploration of its protagonist’s psyche. With its release on July 3, 2024, audiences can look forward to a film that challenges and entertains, delivering a potent mix of action, drama, and emotional resonance. Florent-Emilio Siri’s dedication to character-driven action, combined with the outstanding performances by Roschdy Zem and the supporting cast, ensures that Elyas will be a memorable cinematic experience.

Synopsis:
Elyas, a reclusive and paranoid former Special Forces soldier, becomes a bodyguard for 13-year-old Nour and her mother Amina, who have come from the Middle East. As the ex-warrior and the young girl get to know each other, a mysterious commando targets them. Elyas will stop at nothing to save her.

Elyas
Directed by Florent-Emilio Siri
Produced by Mathias Rubin, Thomas Berthon
Written by Nicolas Laquerriere, Florent-Emilio Siri
Starring Roschdy Zem, Laëtitia Eïdo, Jeanne Michel, Dimitri Storoge, Frédéric Maranber, Aguibou Ba , Leonid Glushchenko, Sherwan Haji, Nabil Elouahabi
Music by Jean-Pascal Beintus, Alexandre Desplat
Cinematography : Giovanni Fiore Coltellacci
Edited by Olivier Gajan
Production companies : Récifilms
Distributed by Studiocanal (France)
Release date : July 3 2024 (France)
Running time : 99 minutes