Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague Brings the Birth of Breathless Back to Life With Style and Sharp Performances

Netflix’s upcoming comedy-drama Nouvelle Vague, arriving on the platform on November 14, is shaping up to be one of the standout film releases of the year. The movie has already enjoyed a theatrical rollout — something Netflix reserves only for projects it believes can compete for major awards — and early viewers are calling it a visually rich and thoughtfully crafted period piece. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Richard Linklater, known for classics like Dazed and Confused, Before Sunrise, and School of Rock, this new film reconstructs the chaotic, creative, and history-making production of Breathless, the iconic French New Wave crime drama directed by the legendary Jean-Luc Godard.

Set in 1950s France, Nouvelle Vague recreates the cinematic environment that gave rise to a movement that would forever redefine filmmaking. It’s more than just a retelling — the film intentionally mirrors the French New Wave style, from its visual aesthetic to its rhythm and tone. According to Netflix’s official listing on Tudum, the movie aims to transport viewers directly into that era, and critics are already praising how authentically it succeeds.

One of the strongest aspects of Nouvelle Vague is its cast. Guillaume Marbeck delivers a standout performance as Jean-Luc Godard — a turn that many expect to be career-defining. Aubry Dullin impresses as Jean-Paul Belmondo, capturing the charm and coolness that made Belmondo a cinematic icon, while Zoey Deutch adds further depth to the ensemble in a role that’s already generating industry buzz. Reviewers have highlighted the film’s cleverly written dialogue, noting that it delivers more than a few genuine laughs despite its historical backdrop.

In terms of craftsmanship, Linklater goes all-in. Critics describe the movie as “an incredibly stylish period piece”, emphasizing how convincingly it rebuilds the look and feel of mid-20th-century France. Every frame pays tribute to the French New Wave, and several reviewers say it may be one of the best homages the genre has ever received. Its commitment to authenticity is so strong that some viewers reported feeling like they were watching a film from the era rather than a 2025 production.

Despite all its strengths, Nouvelle Vague is not without flaws. The film runs 1 hour and 47 minutes, but it reportedly slows down in its final half hour, leaving some viewers puzzled about where the narrative loses momentum. Interestingly, many also admit that the movie doesn’t contain any obvious filler — making the pacing issue more curious than critical.

What ultimately stands out is the movie’s ability to reignite a love for cinema itself. Early audiences say it sends you straight back to Breathless, making you want to revisit Godard’s masterpiece — available on HBO Max (HBO Max) — preferably while wearing a sharp sport coat, sunglasses indoors, and maybe even smoking a cigarette if you want to fully embrace the aesthetic.

With its sharp performances, meticulous style, and genuine affection for film history, Nouvelle Vague is shaping up to be a must-watch for cinephiles and casual viewers alike. It’s already gaining attention from major outlets including Tom’s Guide, Time, and the Washington Post, and is expected to remain a major talking point throughout awards season.

You can stream Nouvelle Vague exclusively on Netflix starting November 14.