Forsaken (2026)
L'abandon
Director: Vincent Garenq
Cast: Antoine Reinartz, Emmanuelle Bercot, Nedjim Bouizzoul, Emma Boumali, Azize Kabouche
More About This Film
Forsaken, released internationally as L'Abandon, is a French drama about Samuel Paty, the history and geography teacher whose murder in October 2020 shocked France. The film focuses on the final eleven days of his life, following the chain of events that begins with a classroom discussion about free speech and escalates through rumor, online outrage, and social pressure.
Vincent Garenq directs the film with a restrained, procedural approach that emphasizes how ordinary interactions can become dangerously distorted. Antoine Reinartz stars as Samuel Paty, with Emmanuelle Bercot, Emma Boumali, Nedjim Bouizzoul, and Azize Kabouche among the supporting cast.
- Vincent Garenq directed and co-wrote the screenplay with Alexis Kebbas, with collaboration from Mickaëlle Paty.
- The film is based in part on Stéphane Simon's book about Samuel Paty's final days.
- Antoine Reinartz plays Samuel Paty.
- Nicolas Errèra composed the original score, which was released digitally in July 2026.
- Forsaken premiered out of competition at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival.
Where to Watch
Forsaken has had a French theatrical release, with digital availability dependent on local distribution and licensing.