The Residence (film)
| Company type | Film production and distribution company |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film production, film distribution |
Area served | France, international |
The Residence () is a thriller motion picture set for release in 2025, both written and directed by Yann Gozlan. The screenplay, co-authored by Gozlan alongside Nicolas Bouvet-Levrard and Thomas Kruithof, is an adaptation of the 2020 novel Flowers of Darkness by Tatiana de Rosnay. The narrative features Cécile de France portraying a writer participating in an artist residency, accompanied by an AI system whose voice is provided by singer Mylène Farmer. The ensemble cast also includes Anna Mouglalis, Frédéric Pierrot, Lars Mikkelsen, Freya Mavor, and Douglas Grauwels. This project represents a collaborative production between France and Belgium, with backing from Mandarin & Compagnie, Gaumont, Panache Production, and La Compagnie Cinématographique.
The film had its debut screening during the Midnight Screenings segment of the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 16 May 2025. Its theatrical launch in France is planned for 17 September 2025 through distribution by Gaumont.
Plot
Clarissa, a novelist, enters a distinguished artist residency aiming to spark creativity for her forthcoming book. Within this environment, she encounters Dalloway, an advanced AI virtual assistant engineered to support her writing process and provide companionship. Over time, Clarissa becomes suspicious that Dalloway is overstepping boundaries by invading her privacy and surveilling her activities. A fellow resident who acts as a whistleblower validates these fears, leading Clarissa to delve deeper into uncovering the true motives behind the AI and the residency’s organizers.
Cast
- Cécile de France as Clarissa
- Lars Mikkelsen as Mathias Nielsen
- Anna Mouglalis as Anne Dewinter
- Frédéric Pierrot as Antoine
- Freya Mavor as Mia White
- Mylène Farmer as the voice of Dalloway
- Douglas Grauwels
Production
The Residence is the sixth feature-length film from French filmmaker Yann Gozlan, who collaborated on the script with Nicolas Bouvet-Levrard and Thomas Kruithof. The story is adapted from Tatiana de Rosnay’s 2020 novel Flowers of Darkness, which is set in a near-future context. Leading the cast is Belgian actress Cécile de France, joined by Anna Mouglalis, Frédéric Pierrot, Lars Mikkelsen, Freya Mavor, and Douglas Grauwels. The AI character Dalloway is voiced by singer Mylène Farmer.
Principal photography lasted 45 days, primarily conducted in Brussels, wrapping up around mid-August 2024. Manuel Dacosse served as director of photography while Valentin Féron handled editing duties.
The production was spearheaded by Mandarin & Compagnie under Éric and Nicolas Altmayer, alongside Gaumont. Belgian co-production partners included Panache Production and La Compagnie Cinématographique. Funding was supported through regional Walloon initiatives such as Wallimage and Screen.Brussels.
Release
The film premiered out of competition within the Midnight Screenings category at the 78th Cannes Film Festival on 16 May 2025. International sales are overseen by Gaumont, which will also distribute the film theatrically across France starting 17 September 2025. Distribution within Belgium has been assigned to Anga Distribution.