The new film
- Les Misérables is a new French film of the novel, directed by Fred Cavayé and released by StudioCanal.
- In French cinemas from 14 October 2026.
- Directed by Fred Cavayé and written by Fred Cavayé.
- With Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean, Tahar Rahim as Javert, Noémie Merlant as Fantine, Camille Cottin as Madame Thénardier and Benjamin Lavernhe as Monsieur Thénardier.
- Dates and credits as announced, checked on 24 October 2026.
The story, without the ending
Released from prison, Jean Valjean finds doors closed against him in Digne until Bishop Myriel offers him food, shelter and kindness.
When Valjean steals the bishop's silver, the bishop protects him from the police, beginning a painful struggle with his conscience.
Under the name Monsieur Madeleine, Valjean builds a prosperous factory and becomes mayor, but Javert begins to suspect his hidden past.
Fantine loses her factory work while paying for Cosette's care, and Valjean faces a choice when another man is accused of being him.
Valjean reveals his identity to protect the innocent man, later escapes custody, and takes Cosette away from the Thénardiers while Javert pursues him.
Years later in Paris, Cosette and Marius fall in love as political unrest grows, leaving Valjean anxious about her safety and their future.
Themes
Mercy and justice: The bishop's kindness and Javert's strict obedience to law offer contrasting answers to how society should treat someone who has done wrong.
Personal change: Valjean's struggle to live honestly shows that change depends on repeated choices rather than a single act of goodness.
Poverty: Through Fantine, Cosette and Valjean, Hugo shows how hunger, prejudice and neglect push vulnerable people into suffering.
Conscience: Valjean must weigh his own safety against another man's innocence, making conscience a stronger demand than self protection.
Love and care: Valjean's care for Cosette shows how love gives him someone to protect and a new purpose beyond himself.
Characters
- Jean ValjeanA former convict who is hardened by prison, then changed by an act of mercy, and who tries to live honestly under a new name. In the film: Vincent Lindon.
- JavertA police inspector who believes the law is absolute, and who pursues Valjean with a stern, honest and unbending sense of duty. In the film: Tahar Rahim.
- FantineA poor young woman in Paris who is left alone with a baby and who will do anything to provide for her child. In the film: Noémie Merlant.
- CosetteFantine's daughter, who grows up first as a mistreated servant and later as the cherished ward of Valjean.
- Marius PontmercyA young idealist raised by a royalist grandfather, who breaks with his family, lives in poverty, and falls in love.
- ThénardierA scheming innkeeper who exploits Cosette and later returns under other names, always looking for a profit.
Questions
What is Les Misérables about?
Les Misérables is about Jean Valjean's attempt to build an honest life after prison while Javert continues to pursue him. His story connects the lives of poor families, a vulnerable child and young idealists amid unrest in France.
Who are the main characters in Les Misérables?
The main characters are Jean Valjean, his pursuer Javert, the struggling mother Fantine, her daughter Cosette and the young idealist Marius Pontmercy. Bishop Myriel shapes Valjean's conscience, while the innkeeper Thénardier exploits Cosette for money.
What are the main themes of Les Misérables?
The main themes are mercy, justice, poverty, conscience, personal change and love. Hugo contrasts punishment with kindness and asks how society shares responsibility for the suffering of the poor.
When can I see the new film of Les Misérables?
In French cinemas from 14 October 2026.
Is the new film based on a book?
Yes. It is based on Les Misérables by Victor Hugo.