Celebrated yet controversial filmmaker Woody Allen’s 50th cinematic creation, Coup de Chance, is set to captivate U.S. audiences. MPI Media Group has slated the film’s North American theatrical release for April 5, followed by a digital and VOD rollout on April 12.
Premiering at the Venice Film Festival in September, Coup de Chance elicited mixed reactions, witnessing both protests and an enthusiastic standing ovation lasting two and a half minutes.
Allen, a director whose works have often stirred controversy, faced renewed scrutiny amid the #MeToo movement when Dylan Farrow’s child molestation allegations resurfaced. Several actors, including Rebecca Hall, Timothée Chalamet, and Greta Gerwig, expressed regret over their collaborations with him.
The French-language thriller, translating to “stroke of luck,” boasts a stellar cast featuring Valerie Lemercier, Niels Schneider, Lou de Laage, Elsa Zylberstein, and Melvil Poupaud. The narrative unfolds a tale of murder and intrigue, weaving around a captivating couple in Paris whose lives take an unexpected turn when a former flame re-enters their world.
Variety’s Chief Film Critic Owen Gleiberman lauded Coup de Chance as Allen’s cinematic pinnacle since 2013’s “Blue Jasmine,” asserting, “If you’re looking for an inviolable law of cinema, one that you can more or less can take to the bank, the Venice Film Festival just confirmed an ironically delightful one. It is this: Murder agrees with Woody Allen.”
In an exclusive interview with Variety ahead of the film’s premiere, Allen hinted that Coup de Chance might mark his cinematic farewell. Reflecting on his future in filmmaking, he shared, “I have so many ideas for films that I would be tempted to do it if it was easy to finance, but beyond that, I don’t know if I have the same verve to go out and spend a lot of time raising money.”
As anticipation builds for the U.S. release of Coup de Chance, it remains to be seen how Allen’s latest work will resonate with audiences amid the lingering controversy surrounding the acclaimed director. The Hollywood Reporter broke the news.
