Meteors is the fifth Cannes screening that I have seen ahead of this year’s 2025 Cannes Film Festival. Directed by Hubert Charuel & co-written by Charuel and Claude Le Pape, the film stars Paul Kircher, Idir Azougli, and Salif Cissé. France’s rural wasteland. Mika and Dan have big dreams but little luck. Cornered after another blunder by Dan, they end up working for Tony, their best friend, who’s now the king of construction. Mika and Dan need to find a way out of her, a way out of trouble – simply a way out.

There’s not much to say in terms of what I was expecting before I saw Meteors. I love how the synopsis for each film I have seen has been vague enough to the point where I can still be surprised with the film. With different twists and directions this film had led by an incredible performance from Paul Kircher, this may be my favorite of the screenings so far.

One of the biggest reasons why this is my favorite entry so far from the screenings comes down to how much I could relate to it. No, I haven’t gone through exactly what these guys go through, but the connection is still there. I know what it feels like to be stuck in a hometown where only a small group of people understand you as you try to leave the place for good. Every time you try to do the right thing feels like two steps back. Being young, you can take advantage of it until you realize in order to move on, you have to grow up.

Enter Mika and Dan, two close friends who appear more like brothers. The love these two guys have could be seen as sentimental, but when they only have each other, it’s easier to see them as two brothers who want nothing but the best for each other. At one point, I realized Dan is four years older than Mika, meaning that Mika very much looks up to Dan as a brother. Nothing is really said about these character’s families, and I think you can read between the lines with what is not said about them. Through their connection is where the film succeeds.

Starting off with a humorous situation, I am glad the film eases you into the drama rather than just throwing you into it. I had to hold myself back from laughing too hard in order to better pay attention. I love how the two guys take advantage of their youth. Then, comes a moment when they realize they really have to turn things around if they want to keep living.

In order to get their lives together, the two guys find work with a good friend of theirs. This where the film often finds creative ways to subverted my expectations. As much as I would have liked to have seen the film leaned more into those different directions, the film makes it clear how much damage their partying and drinking has done to them as they try to get their lives together. Seeing how the story unfolds often creates something emotionally impacting. You want these two guys to get better. Based on where the film ends up, the film accomplishes its themes on how connection can help get through the most dire moments in our lives.

One of my favorite aspects on watching indie foreign films like this one is how it gives me a good glimpse into seeing the next big actor. While the main three actors are quite good, it’s Paul Kircher who is the lead actor in this. Without him, the film doesn’t work as his emotions and dialogue have to carry the film. There were so many moments where I felt so bad for him. Even when his character needs to keep his mouth shut, he continues to stand up for what he believes in. Bringing that kind of emotion out of young talent is no easy feat, which makes Hubert Charuel’s work as a director even more commendable.

Lastly, the way the film utilizes its cinematography helps capture the emotions of these men. From light blue to dark red colors, it helps capture the sense of tone the film is going for. While the film has some light humor in the beginning, the use of color throughout shows the darkness these guys go through, as well as properly utilizing the space they are located in.

Overall, Meteors offers a lot of emotional depth through its storytelling and direction. Paul Kircher gives a phenomenal performance that carries the film. This one has stuck out to me the most. While I have enjoyed every Cannes screening so far, this one is my personal favorite so far due to how much I could personally relate to it.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)