Three years after "Second Tour," Albert Dupontel returns to theaters with "Il faut brûler maman" (We Must Burn Mother), expected Wednesday, November 11, 2026. For his ninth feature film, the French actor and director focuses on a family of undertakers reunited for their mother's funeral. A dark comedy in which he stars alongside Artus, Julia Piaton, and Louise Coldefy.
Albert Dupontel returns to the big screen with a family story as unique as its title. In "Il faut brûler maman" (We Must Burn Mother), two sisters and their brother reunite to organize their mother's funeral. But events take an unexpected turn when the funeral staff goes on strike, forcing the family members to carry out the funeral arrangements themselves. This confined setting then becomes the stage for a turbulent reunion, filled with old tensions, awkward moments, and settling of old scores. True to his penchant for absurd situations, the filmmaker blends dark humor and emotion in a story that explores death, family relationships, and the difficulties of communicating with loved ones.
To coincide with the film's release, Albert Dupontel embarked on a series of preview screenings in several French cities. On Thursday, November 5th, he was notably present at the CinéMoViking in Saint-Lô, in the Manche department, where nearly 400 spectators attended the screening. Greeted with a standing ovation, the director then spoke with the audience about his directing choices, the cast, and the themes explored in his film. The work also marks an evolution in his storytelling style, with a significant emphasis placed on dialogue and the inner lives of the characters. In an interview published on November 8th, Albert Dupontel explained that the advanced age of his own mother, 93, had fueled his reflections on family ties and the loss of loved ones.
A tenth film about artificial intelligence is already in preparation.
While "Il faut brûler maman" (We Must Burn Mother) hasn't even been released yet, Albert Dupontel is already working on his next project. In an interview with AlloCiné in early November, the director revealed that his tenth feature film will explore artificial intelligence through a love story. The screenplay, currently being written, will follow a television series writer confronted by a digital character who gradually takes control of her narrative. Behind this idea, the filmmaker wants to explore the difficulties of communication between people who love each other but can no longer express their feelings. Artificial intelligence would therefore not only be a technological threat, but also an element allowing the characters to reconnect.
This latest development confirms Albert Dupontel's commitment to pursuing a personal style of filmmaking, distinct from the most conventional French comedies. Since "Bernie" in 1996, the director has built a recognizable filmography, alternating between social satire, biting humor, and characters confronted with extraordinary situations. His films "9 Month Stretch," "See You Up There," and "Bye Bye Morons" have notably earned him several César Awards and significant public acclaim. With "Burn Mom," he chooses to focus his narrative on a family and the emotions evoked by grief. The November 11th release will allow us to gauge the reception of this new offering, while his upcoming project dedicated to artificial intelligence already demonstrates his interest in the transformations of contemporary society.
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