Rebels

Sandra, fleeing an abusive husband, returns to Boulogne-sur-Mer, the seaside town of her youth. With no resources, she takes a job at a fish cannery and reconnects with her mother and a familiar circle. At work she and two coworkers forge a bond as they share the rhythms of life by the docks. When a colleague's advances cross a line, Sandra defends herself in a confrontation that destabilizes her fragile new world and pulls her into a precarious fight for safety and dignity. The story unfolds with wit and grit, keeping the focus on character over melodrama. The humor comes from everyday misunderstandings and the rough texture of life on the coast.

Directed by Allan Mauduit from a screenplay by Jérémie Guez, Rebels is a French comedy set in Boulogne-sur-Mer, led by Cécile de France as Sandra. The story follows a woman who rebuilds her life after leaving an abusive marriage, relying on friendship and practicality. It features strong supporting turns by Audrey Lamy, Yolande Moreau, and Simon Abkarian, and balances sharp humor with intimate, human moments.

Box office data for Rebels is not publicly available in standard databases, which often indicates a limited theatrical footprint and a primarily national release. The film has enjoyed attention in French press and film festivals rather than broad international box office figures.

The port town setting gives Rebels a distinctly regional texture, with authentic rhythms of the docks and the market. The ensemble delivers natural performances that emphasize camaraderie and resilience, helping elevate a modest comedy into something that feels lived in. It sits alongside other French regional comedies that mix humor with social insight.

Reception to the film has highlighted its blend of light hearted charm and social realism, using Sandra's fragile new start to explore safety, independence, and community support. The tone stays rooted in character rather than spectacle, inviting empathy for everyday choices and the courage to rebuild.