The Kingdom, the highly anticipated debut feature from director Julien Colonna, is set to be released in theaters on May 30, 2025. This Corsican mob thriller, which made its acclaimed debut in the Un Certain Regard section at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, is a deeply personal and riveting tale drawn from Colonna’s own experiences. Ahead of its theatrical release, Metrograph Pictures has unveiled a new trailer and poster, giving fans a glimpse of the intense, emotional journey that awaits.
Set against the sun-drenched backdrop of Corsica in the summer of 1995, The Kingdom follows the story of Lesia, a teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when she is pulled from her sheltered existence and taken to a secluded villa. Here, she is introduced to her father, Pierre-Paul, a feared and elusive mob boss who has been forced into hiding. Pierre-Paul is a stranger to Lesia, both physically and emotionally, and at first, she feels suffocated by the dangerous world he inhabits. The villa is a place filled with secrecy, threat, and an ever-present sense of danger, and Lesia’s initial feeling is one of entrapment.
However, everything changes when an assassination attempt is made on Pierre-Paul’s life. The failed attempt sets off a chain reaction of bloody vendettas, pushing Lesia and her father into a desperate flight to escape the mob’s reach. As they travel through the violent underworld of Corsica, Lesia starts to bond with her father, slowly unraveling the complexities of his life and the world that has shaped him. In the process, she begins to understand not only the depths of her father’s devotion to revenge but also how much of his violent spirit starts to influence her own character.
The Kingdom is not just a story of crime—it is a profound exploration of family, loyalty, and the weight of inherited violence. As Lesia and Pierre-Paul try to outrun their enemies, the film delves into the emotional turmoil that arises when a young girl is forced to reckon with the darkness of her father’s world. The story is marked by themes of blood: blood that is spilled in revenge, blood that is sought in the name of justice, and the unbreakable bond of blood that ties a father and daughter together.
Director Julien Colonna brings a unique and intimate perspective to the story, drawing from his own life experiences to create a film that blends the harsh realities of the mob world with the delicate, evolving relationship between father and daughter. The film’s intense action and emotionally charged narrative promise to resonate with audiences long after the credits roll.
Alongside Colonna’s vision, The Kingdom features a talented cast that brings the characters to life with authenticity and depth. The film is sure to attract those who are drawn to thrilling, character-driven stories set against the backdrop of high-stakes crime. With its blend of family drama, coming-of-age themes, and gritty mob action, The Kingdom is poised to become a standout release in 2025.
As the release date approaches, fans can look forward to an unforgettable cinematic experience that combines breathtaking scenery with raw, emotional storytelling. Don’t miss The Kingdom when it arrives in theaters on May 30, 2025.
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