Screeching tires, pumping music, breathless suspense and stunts that seem like anything could go wrong at any second: no, I’m not talking about the early Fast & Furious films, which, before Vin Diesel’s “family” set out for space. I’m talking about Rodeo, a really extraordinary film by French director Lola Quivoron. The mixture of drama, action and coming-of-age story combines two iconic pop culture brands – and is one of the most exciting things to see at the Cannes Film Festival in 2022.
That’s what French action drama Rodeo is about
Julia (Julie Ledru) does not have an easy life. A broken family and bleak future prospects between run-down skyscrapers in a dreary French suburb. Motorcycling is the only thing she really enjoys. Spellbound, she follows the drivers illegal street racing on social media or watch videos of their best stunts on YouTube.
Here’s the trailer for Rodeo:
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But Julia has no money to buy a machine for herself. So she comes up with an ingenious plan and robs wealthy motorcycle salesmen. A criminal stroke of genius that earns her respect from the motorcycle gang whose stunts she has admired for so long. But being accepted into the gang and coming into contact with gang boss Domino not only throws her whole life upside down, it also leads her to her most dangerous plan to date: to rob a moving truck with luxury motorcycles.
Like Zendaya starring in Fast & Furious: Rodeo is a top Cannes secret
Rodeo has one from minute one incredible intensity. The stunt scenes are impressive – especially for a film that clearly doesn’t have a blockbuster budget – and are reminiscent of the early, more realistic Fast & Furious parts, particularly during the spectacular heist towards the end of the film. Still, rodeo more than just an action-fest. The film shows the desire of young, underprivileged people for freedom and belonging in an almost touching way. Incidentally, Rodeo also examines the toxic understanding of masculinity of some motorcycle machos and weaves surprising fantasy elements culminating in an unexpected (and maybe a little frustrating) ending.
Above all, however, the performance of the leading actress shines. Julie Ledru plays Julia as a difficult but lovable young woman who is… emotional vulnerability with harshness and harshness dubbed. For whom the only way to truly feel free is on a motorcycle seat. And their friendly Relationship with wife of imprisoned gang boss in places like the tenderly staged beginning of a very special love story. Ledru is reminiscent of Zendaya’s exceptional performance in Euphoria – and has the potential to become one of the next big shooting stars of French cinema.
Actually there is just really bad news About this extraordinary film: It is not yet known when and if Rodeo will be in cinemas in Germany or will end up with a streaming provider.
Do you watch rodeo when it’s available in Germany?