Souleymane's Story: A Powerful Paris Immigrant Drama You Need to See

Get ready for an intense ride through the streets of Paris with Souleymane's Story, a powerful new drama about an immigrant food courier fighting for his future.

TL;DR

• Abou Sangaré gives a groundbreaking, award-winning performance as Souleymane, a Guinean food delivery rider in Paris.
• The film tackles the harsh realities of the gig economy and the complex asylum process with raw, unsentimental honesty.
• Catch this much-decorated social realist drama in cinemas from October 17th, with home media release following on October 21st, 2025.

Navigating the Gritty Streets of Paris: Souleymane's Daily Hustle as a Food Courier

Imagine being in a constant race against time, not just for a paycheck, but for your very right to exist in a new country. That's the daily reality for Souleymane, the protagonist of Boris Lojkine's compelling new film, Souleymane's Story. Hailing from Guinea, Souleymane finds himself in the bustling, often unforgiving, streets of Paris, barely clinging on at the margins of the French capital.

His job? A food delivery rider, shuttling meals across the city on his bicycle. But here’s the kicker: he doesn't even have his own legal delivery account. Instead, he sublets one from Emmanuel (played by Emmanuel Yovanie), a fellow immigrant from Cameroon. This immediately places him in a precarious position, subject to the whims and rules of someone else, adding another layer of vulnerability to his already challenging life.

The film immerses you in his world, a "noctambulist" Paris where every pedal stroke is a desperate bid for survival. You'll be right there with him, experiencing the "hairy cycling scenes" that critics have compared to Buster Keaton's stunts, a testament to the sheer physical demands and dangers of his work. Director Boris Lojkine doesn't shy away from showing the relentless pressure to meet delivery targets, the tight schedules, and the small, constant humiliations that steadily chip away at Souleymane's soul. From needing to rebook a spot in a homeless shelter each night to arguing with impatient restaurateurs, every interaction highlights the immense struggle to simply get by in the digital age's gig economy.

This bicycle isn't just transport; it’s his lifeline, the key to his job and his fragile stability. If it breaks or gets stolen, his entire future could unravel, mirroring the desperate stakes seen in classics like Vittorio De Sica's Bicycle Thieves, but updated for our modern, hyper-capitalist world. Lojkine’s storytelling is "less sentimental" and "often curtly ending scenes as if on the same tight schedule as Souleymane," making the viewer feel the unyielding pace of his life.

The Heartbreaking Burden of a Fabricated Story: Preparing for the Asylum Interview

As if the daily grind wasn't enough, Souleymane has an even bigger challenge looming: a crucial asylum application interview, just two days away. His entire future in France hinges on this single conversation with an immigration officer (Nina Meurisse), who will decide his destiny. But there's a cruel twist to this already high-stakes situation.

To increase his chances, Souleymane is being coached by Barry (Alpha Oumar Sow), another Guinean, on how to tell a story of political repression. The heartbreaking truth is that "the truth simply won’t be enough" for the authorities. He needs to memorize a fabricated narrative, a made-up tale that he believes is what they want to hear. As he speeds through the Parisian streets, he's not just delivering food; he's rehearsing his fake story, beat by beat, grappling with the details, trying desperately to make it sound convincing.

This part of the film is incredibly poignant. It shines a stark light on the Kafkaesque nature of the asylum system, where desperation forces individuals to become actors in their own lives, performing for a bureaucracy that often seems designed to exclude. The stress of this performance, combined with the everyday pressures of his job, pushes Souleymane to his absolute limit. The film captures the "anxiety gnawing away at him," a constant undercurrent to his every move.

An Unforgettable Cinematic Debut: Abou Sangaré's Powerful Performance

If there's one reason to rush to see Souleymane's Story, it's the utterly magnificent performance by Abou Sangaré in the titular role. This is Sangaré's first major acting role, and he doesn't just act; he inhabits Souleymane with such raw authenticity that it's impossible to look away. His portrayal has been universally praised, earning him a "gold medal for standout lead performance of the year."

Critics rave about his ability to convey "a lifetime’s tension and struggle" without saying a word. In one pivotal scene, described as the climax, Souleymane "trembling violently as a lifetime’s tension and struggle, as well as the daily grind of an app wage slave, comes pouring out." This level of emotional honesty is rare and captivating. Sangaré carries the entire film, displaying "buried expressions of fatigue, toil and quiet hope," allowing viewers to connect deeply with his character's plight.

His talent hasn't gone unnoticed. Abou Sangaré rightfully won the Un Certain Regard award for his "restrained performance" at last year's Cannes Film Festival. Beyond Cannes, he also earned a César award in France, further cementing his status as a breakout star. What makes his story even more compelling is his own real-life experience: he arrived in France at 16 without permanent legal status and has bravely used his Cannes win to appeal for the right to work as a mechanic, highlighting the very issues the film explores.

"Abou Sangaré is magnificent in a story that shines light on the enforced invisibility of economic migrants."

— The Guardian

Director Boris Lojkine's Vision: Capturing the Soul of Paris and Its Margins

Director Boris Lojkine, known for his incisive social realism, brings a deeply intimate and "unflinching" lens to Souleymane’s world. Co-written with Delphine Agut, Souleymane's Story is Lojkine's third feature film, and it firmly places him among the ranks of filmmakers dedicated to human-focused narratives.

Lojkine's direction draws comparisons to cinematic giants. The intimate accompaniment of Souleymane trying to make ends meet reminds some of Ramin Bahrani’s 2005 New York-set drama Man Push Cart. His style, characterized by "over-the-shoulder cinematography" from Tristan Galand and a "naturalistic pacing," echoes the "humanist films of the Dardennes brothers and European social-realist classics," and even Cristian Mungiu’s 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days.

Visually, the film is stunning yet grounded. Lojkine shoots Paris with "hazy impressionistic beauty," showcasing the city's iconic boulevards and hidden corners. But he occasionally "breaks out of shallow focus with a sobering crystalline composition to situate his protagonist in this capitalist warren." This dual approach allows the film to be both aesthetically rich and brutally honest about the urban landscape as a setting for struggle. The camera acts as a silent companion, capturing "the alienation and lonely rhythms of his routine," making you feel every bump in the road and every moment of isolated reflection.

Lojkine’s achievement lies in "sink[ing] this tale into a tangible Parisian backdrop, as littered with obstacles, chancers, and bureaucratic red tape as it is with good souls." He avoids easy melodrama, instead opting for a nuanced portrayal of how "the apparatus – immigration, work, housing – is stacked against people like him."

Beyond the Screen: Exploring the Deep Societal Themes of "Souleymane's Story"

Souleymane's Story isn't just a drama; it's a profound work of social commentary that resonates deeply with our contemporary world. The film tackles crucial issues with an "empathetic yet unsentimental" hand, shedding light on what it means to be an "every-immigrant" in a system that often prefers invisibility.

One of the most powerful themes is the "enforced invisibility of a class of economic migrants." These are individuals who are "so numerous that many game the system, doubling their exploitation." Souleymane's journey highlights how convenience, driven by the "growing Uber Eats-ification of cities," turns delivery drivers into "hyper-visible target[s] and a convenient scapegoat for disillusioned Europeans." The film humanizes these statistics, ensuring that "Sangaré’s exemplary, unfeigned performance helps them speak," giving voice to those often silenced.

The film doesn't preach; instead, it "shows how the apparatus – immigration, work, housing – is stacked against people like him." It's a "nervy study of how poverty wears people down, eroded by uncertainty and the grinding effort to stay afloat." While the pressures are immense, the film also acknowledges "brief moments of kindness," whether from other migrants, a kebab-shop owner, or a fellow shelter resident. These small exceptions serve to highlight the overall harshness of a world that "mostly neither cares nor notices."

It's a stark reminder that nationalist narratives and societal contempt often fall hardest on "those at the bottom of the social hierarchy," demonizing those seeking a more dignified life. Lojkine’s film cuts through this, offering a grounded, human perspective that feels incredibly urgent and relevant today.

Why "Souleymane's Story" is a Must-Watch Film for Our Times

In a cinematic landscape often dominated by blockbusters and escapism, Souleymane's Story stands out as a vital piece of filmmaking. It's a film that demands your attention, not with explosive action, but with profound emotional honesty and a mirror held up to contemporary society.

The narrative arc, which sees Souleymane "hopefully in the process of altering his destiny," is a powerful message of resilience. His struggle isn't just his own; it’s symbolic of a massive demographic, one that is too often "reduced to a headline, a statistic or a policy document." This film gives them a face, a voice, and a deeply personal story that stays with you long after the credits roll.

The critical acclaim and awards already garnered speak volumes. Winning both the Jury and Performance prizes in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes Film Festival means this film isn't just emotionally resonant but also a masterclass in cinematic craft. It has been described as a "powerful and moving chronicle of life on the margins," and a "superb Parisian drama [that] shines light on real immigrant experience."

If you appreciate social realism, powerful acting, and stories that challenge you to think, then Souleymane's Story is absolutely one to add to your must-watch list. It's a testament to the human spirit against overwhelming odds, and a poignant exploration of themes that are more relevant now than ever.

When and Where You Can Experience "Souleymane's Story"

Ready to experience this powerful drama? Here’s what you need to know about catching Souleymane's Story:

• Cinematic Release: The film is set to open in selected cinemas starting Friday, October 17th, 2025. Check your local listings for showtimes!
• Home Media Release: For those who prefer to watch from the comfort of their home, Kino Lorber will release Souleymane's Story on DVD and Blu-ray Disc on October 21st, 2025.
• Digital Platforms: You'll also be able to digitally rent and purchase the film on major platforms like Amazon, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV, also starting around the October 21st date.

So, whether you prefer the big screen or a cozy night in, you'll have options to see this impactful film soon!

FAQ: Your Quick Guide to "Souleymane's Story" When is Souleymane's Story released? The film hits cinemas starting Friday, October 17th, 2025. It will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digital platforms from October 21st, 2025. Where can I watch Souleymane's Story? You can watch it in selected cinemas from October 17th, 2025. From October 21st, 2025, it will be available on DVD, Blu-ray, and digitally for rent or purchase on platforms like Amazon, Fandango at Home, and Apple TV. Who is the director of Souleymane's Story? The film is directed by Boris Lojkine, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Delphine Agut. What awards has Souleymane's Story won? The film was a big talking point at the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard section, winning both its Jury and Performance prizes. Lead actor Abou Sangaré specifically won the Un Certain Regard award for his performance and later earned a César award in France. Sources

• The Guardian - Film News (Phil Hoad): "Souleymane’s Story review – superb performance ballasts drama of man clinging on in the margins in Paris"
• The Irish Times (Tara Brady): "Souleymane’s Story: A powerful and moving chronicle of life on the margins"
• Media Play News (Kirk Sanderson): "Kino Lorber Sets Oct. 21 Disc Release for French Drama ‘Souleymane’s Story’"
• Independent.ie (Hilary White): "Souleymane’s Story review: Superb Parisian drama shines light on real immigrant experience"
• Little White Lies: "Souleymane’s Story review – Abou Sangaré makes a magnificent debut"