As the international film community turns its eyes toward the 79th Cannes Film Festival, one name is increasingly appearing in discussions regarding the next generation of French cinematic talent: Antoine Reinartz. The actor, who has steadily built a reputation for nuanced and impactful performances, is poised to step into a major spotlight this week.
While Reinartz has been a consistent presence in acclaimed French productions over the last several years, his upcoming involvement in high-profile historical dramas has cemented his status as a rising star to watch. His career trajectory reflects a deep engagement with stories that demand both emotional depth and historical precision.
A Career Defined by Acclaimed Performances
Reinartz has spent the last several years diversifying his filmography, contributing to projects that have garnered significant critical attention. His work has spanned various genres, ranging from intense social dramas to complex character studies, allowing him to establish a presence in both domestic and international circles.
Among his most notable credits are roles in films that have resonated with audiences and critics alike. His participation in Anatomy of a Fall (2023) placed him within the orbit of major contemporary cinematic successes, while his work in 120 BPM (Beats Per Minute) (2017) and Nona and Her Daughters (2021) showcased his ability to navigate demanding, character-driven narratives.
This foundation of steady, high-quality work has prepared him for the significant professional milestone arriving this month at the Cannes Film Festival.
The Road to Cannes: “When the Night Falls”
The most significant upcoming chapter in Reinartz’s career is his starring role in the historical drama When the Night Falls (French title: La Troisième Nuit). The film is set to have its world premiere in the Cannes Premiere section at the 79th Cannes Film Festival on May 17, 2026.
Directed by the esteemed Daniel Auteuil, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Camille Lugan, the film represents a major production for the French industry. Reinartz stars alongside Auteuil in a narrative that promises to be both harrowing and deeply moving, tackling one of the most somber periods of 20th-century history.
Portraying Gilbert Lesage: A Mission of Mercy
In When the Night Falls, Reinartz takes on the pivotal role of Gilbert Lesage. The film is based on a true story set in August 1942, during the Holocaust, and centers on a mission to rescue more than one hundred Jewish children from an internment camp located near Lyon.
The narrative follows the efforts of Lesage, a young civil servant within the regime’s Service social des étrangers (SSE), who attempts to intervene in the fate of arrested individuals. Working alongside Catholic priest Alexandre Glasberg (played by Daniel Auteuil), Lesage seeks to prevent the deportation of Jewish children from the Vénissieux internment camp.
This role places Reinartz at the center of a complex moral landscape, portraying a figure caught within the machinery of the Vichy government while attempting to perform acts of profound humanitarian courage.
| Year | Film Title | Role/Context |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 120 BPM (Beats Per Minute) | Acclaimed social drama |
| 2021 | Nona and Her Daughters | Character-driven feature |
| 2023 | Anatomy of a Fall | Major international success |
| 2026 | When the Night Falls | Lead role as Gilbert Lesage |
What to Expect Next
As the film prepares for its highly anticipated debut, the industry will be looking to see how Reinartz’s portrayal of Lesage is received by international critics. Given the film’s subject matter and its premiere at Cannes, It’s expected to be one of the most discussed entries in this year’s festival lineup.
The world premiere of When the Night Falls is scheduled for May 17, 2026, at the 79th Cannes Film Festival.
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