June and John (2025) by Luc Besson

“June & John (2025)” is the latest film from acclaimed French director Luc Besson, known for his visually distinctive and often genre-bending works. Marking a return to a more intimate and experimental style, the film is a romantic thriller with fantasy overtones, notable for being shot entirely on an iPhone during the 2020 lockdown in Los Angeles. It features emerging actors Matilda Price and Luke Stanton Eddy in the titular roles.

“June & John” tells the story of John, a young man trapped in the monotony of his everyday routine. His predictable existence is dramatically altered when he encounters June, a woman characterized by her vibrant energy and fearless spirit. Their meeting sparks a whirlwind adventure filled with passion, significant risk, and profound self-discovery. Described as a race against time and the law, their journey together injects color, magic, and love into their previously ordinary lives.

While a detailed scene-by-scene summary is not yet widely available, the film’s plot centers on the transformative encounter between John and June. John is depicted as someone leading a dreary, unchanging life. June, in stark contrast, is full of vitality and unafraid of taking chances. Their meeting is the catalyst for the narrative, propelling them into an unpredictable adventure. This journey is not merely physical but also one of intense emotional and personal growth for both characters. As they navigate challenges that put them at odds with both time and legal constraints, their relationship deepens, bringing elements of excitement (“color” and “magic”) and romance (“love”) into their world. The fantasy aspect is woven into this romantic thriller framework, suggesting that their adventure may involve elements beyond the ordinary or perhaps a heightened, almost surreal, reality.

The film follows John, a man stuck in a boring routine, whose life is turned upside down when he meets the lively and daring June. Together, they embark on a passionate and risky adventure that leads to self-discovery and brings excitement, wonder, and love into their lives as they race against time and potentially evade the law.

“June & John” represents Luc Besson’s deliberate return to his creative roots, embracing a more raw, intimate, and resourceful filmmaking process reminiscent of his early career. The decision to shoot entirely on an iPhone during the 2020 lockdown in Los Angeles reflects a desire for spontaneity and a focus on performance and narrative over large-scale production. Besson aimed to capture the ingenuity and passion that defined his beginnings as a young filmmaker, channeling the spirit of creativity under pressure to deliver a visually distinct and emotionally resonant experience. His vision for the film is to blend romance with supernatural or fantastic elements, exploring themes of passion, risk, and self-discovery through a story that injects color and magic into ordinary lives. The trailer suggests a return to Besson’s trademark visual style, featuring bright colors and dynamic action, while telling an interesting story with echoes of his earlier works like “La Femme Nikita” and “Léon: The Professional,” alongside the colorful cinematography seen in “The Fifth Element.”

• Breaking from Routine and Monotony: John’s initial state represents a life stifled by routine, and his encounter with June signifies a dramatic break from this mundane existence.

• The Power of Connection and Love: The central theme revolves around how a profound connection with another person can transform one’s life, bringing passion, excitement, and meaning.

• Risk and Adventure: The couple’s journey is explicitly described as being filled with risk and a race against the clock and the law, highlighting the theme that stepping outside of one’s comfort zone can lead to extraordinary experiences.

• Self-Discovery: Through their shared adventure and relationship, both June and John embark on a journey of personal growth and self-discovery.

• Injecting Magic into Reality: The description mentions bringing “color, magic, and love” to their lives, suggesting a theme where fantastical or extraordinary elements can emerge within or transform everyday reality, possibly linked to the film’s fantasy undertones.

• Creativity Under Constraint: The production method itself, shooting on an iPhone during lockdown, reflects a theme of creativity flourishing despite limitations, which could subtly mirror the characters finding extraordinary life within their constrained circumstances.

• Luc Besson’s Name and Reputation: Besson is a well-known director with a distinct style and a global fanbase, which immediately generates interest in the film.

• Unique Production Method: The novelty of being shot entirely on an iPhone during lockdown is a significant talking point and could attract viewers interested in experimental filmmaking approaches.

• Return to Intimate Storytelling: For fans of Besson’s earlier, more character-driven films, “June & John” represents a welcome return to a more intimate scale after his larger-budget productions.

• Blend of Genres: The combination of romantic thriller with fantasy elements offers a potentially fresh and engaging mix for audiences.

• Visually Distinctive Style: Trailers suggest that despite the low-fi production method, Besson’s signature visual flair, including the use of color, is still present.

“June & John” is Luc Besson’s intimate, iPhone-shot romantic thriller with fantasy elements about a man in a routine who finds adventure, magic, and love when he meets a vibrant woman.

Critical reception for “June & John (2025)” is limited at this early stage of its release. Initial reactions from viewers based on trailers have been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the iPhone-shot aesthetic and drawing comparisons (both favorable and unfavorable) to Besson’s previous works. Discussions on online forums have also touched upon Besson’s past controversies.

However, some early descriptions from sources like City Kinos Munich have been positive, calling it a “romantic thriller, so charming and peppered with rousing songs that you can’t help but grin all over your face,” suggesting a potentially lighthearted and enjoyable tone despite the thriller elements. More comprehensive critical reviews from established film critics are anticipated as the film receives wider releases.

Overall Summary of Critics Reception: Critical reception for “June & John” is still nascent. Early online reactions are varied, reflecting both anticipation for Besson’s return to form and reservations about the visual style. Limited initial reviews suggest the film may be perceived as a charming and enjoyable romantic thriller, but a clearer picture of critical consensus will emerge with wider release and more extensive reviews.

(Specific detailed reviews from major sites are not yet widely available. The following summarizes the early sentiment based on available information):

• Online Forum Reactions (e.g., Reddit): Mixed responses to the trailer, with comments noting the “iPhone look,” comparisons to films like “Fight Club” and “Thelma & Louise,” and discussions regarding Luc Besson’s personal history impacting willingness to watch.

• City Kinos Munich: Describes the film positively as a “romantic thriller, so charming and peppered with rousing songs.”

Overall Summary of Reviews: Reviews are currently sparse and largely based on early impressions from the trailer or limited festival/early screenings. While some find the premise and Besson’s return to a more intimate style intriguing, others are hesitant about the visual aesthetic and plot comparisons. The limited positive commentary highlights its potential charm and enjoyable blend of romance and thriller.

As of early May 2025, “June & John (2025)” has begun its theatrical rollout in several international territories, including Hungary (April 17, 2025), Russia (April 24, 2025), Finland (April 25, 2025), and Turkey (May 2, 2025). Initial box office figures are available for these regions, showing modest early returns. For example, as of May 9, 2025, the film had a reported international box office total of around $109,817, with Russia contributing a significant portion of that. Detailed box office data for major markets like the United States is not yet available as the film’s release schedule is staggered and may include later dates for these territories.

“June & John (2025)” is a French production by EuropaCorp, Luc Besson’s production company, in co-production with Kinology. Double Entente Films provided US production services. The film was notably shot entirely on an iPhone during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown in Los Angeles. Luc Besson served as both director and writer, with production handled by Luc Besson and Virginie Besson-Silla. Taillefer Aurelie was the Production Designer.

• Front Row Filmed Entertainment (United Arab Emirates – Middle East, North Africa and Persian/Arabian Gulf)

• Diamond Films (Brazil)

• The Film Group (Greece)

• Volga (Russia)

• Ciné+OCS (France – TV distribution)

• (Other distributors in various territories depending on sales deals)

A specific streaming release date and platform for “June & John (2025)” have not been officially announced yet. Given its theatrical release schedule, streaming availability is likely to follow several months after its initial theatrical windows in various territories.

“June & John (2025)” premiered at a special screening at the Grand Rex in Paris on April 17, 2025, followed by a masterclass with Luc Besson. The film’s theatrical release began in various international territories starting around the same time, including Hungary (April 17, 2025), Russia (April 24, 2025), Finland (April 25, 2025), and Turkey (May 2, 2025). Theatrical release dates for other territories, including Brazil, Mexico, and Spain, are scheduled for later in 2025.

• See Luc Besson’s Experimental Side: For fans interested in seeing a renowned director work outside of his usual blockbuster scale and experiment with production methods.

• Unique Production Story: The fact that it was shot on an iPhone during lockdown makes it a fascinating example of resourceful filmmaking.

• Intriguing Genre Blend: The mix of romantic thriller with fantasy elements offers a potentially fresh and engaging viewing experience.

• Potential for Trademark Besson Style: Despite the low-fi production, early glimpses suggest that Besson’s signature visual flair and dynamic storytelling might still be present.

• Support Independent/More Personal Filmmaking: This film represents Besson returning to a more intimate scale, which can often lead to more personal and creative results.

• Curiosity about the iPhone Filming: If you’re interested in seeing how a seasoned director utilizes smartphone technology for a feature film.

• Enjoy Romantic Thrillers with a Twist: If you appreciate films that blend romance, suspense, and potentially fantastical elements.

• Discover New Talent: The film features emerging actors in the lead roles, offering an opportunity to see fresh faces.

• Experience Besson’s Return to Roots: For those who enjoyed Besson’s earlier, more intimate films, this could be a return to that style.

• Visually Engaging (Potentially): Despite the production method, Besson’s reputation suggests the film will likely have a distinct visual energy.

• Smartphone Filmmaking / Accessible Technology: A significant trend the film follows is the increasing use of accessible technology, specifically smartphones, for professional filmmaking. While not the first feature shot on an iPhone, a director of Besson’s stature doing so highlights the growing acceptance and capability of these tools for creating theatrical releases, democratizing filmmaking to some extent.

• Finding Meaning and Adventure in Constrained Circumstances (Post-Pandemic Reflection): Filmed during the 2020 lockdown, the film’s narrative about characters breaking free from routine and finding adventure, color, and magic in their lives can be seen as reflecting the collective experience of confinement and the yearning for escape, passion, and renewed purpose that many felt during and after the pandemic. It taps into the social trend of re-evaluating life choices and seeking more fulfilling experiences after a period of significant disruption.

“June & John (2025)” is an intriguing and somewhat enigmatic addition to Luc Besson’s filmography. It represents a conscious effort to return to a more intimate and experimental filmmaking approach, utilizing accessible technology to tell a story of love, adventure, and breaking free from monotony. While early reception and box office figures are limited due to its recent release, the film holds appeal for fans of Besson’s unique style and those curious about smartphone filmmaking. Its blend of romantic thriller and fantasy, coupled with the director’s vision, suggests a potentially charming and visually distinct, albeit perhaps smaller-scale, cinematic experience.

• Embrace Technological Innovation: “June & John”‘s production method encourages filmmakers to explore and utilize accessible technologies like smartphones to realize their creative visions, demonstrating that high production values are not solely dependent on traditional, expensive equipment.

• Find Creativity in Limitations: The film being shot during lockdown highlights how constraints can sometimes foster creativity and lead to unique artistic choices. Filmmakers should view limitations not as obstacles but as opportunities for innovation.

• Focus on Story and Performance: Despite the technical novelty, the core of the film lies in its narrative and the performances of its lead actors. Filmmakers should remember that compelling storytelling and strong acting are paramount, regardless of the tools used.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Shift Scale: Besson’s move from blockbusters to a more intimate film demonstrates that filmmakers can successfully navigate different scales of production throughout their careers, allowing for diverse creative expression.

• Consider Genre Blending: The film’s mix of romance, thriller, and fantasy shows that combining genres can lead to fresh and engaging results.

• Recognize and Support Smartphone/Accessible Tech Films: The industry should continue to recognize and support feature films made with accessible technology, providing distribution opportunities for projects that demonstrate artistic merit regardless of their production budget or method.

• Market Unconventional Production Stories: The “shot on iPhone” aspect is a strong marketing hook for “June & John.” The industry should leverage such unique production stories to generate interest and attract audiences.

• Provide Platforms for Diverse Scales of Filmmaking: Ensure that distribution channels and exhibition opportunities exist for films of varying scales, from large blockbusters to more intimate and experimental projects.

• Encourage Directors to Explore Different Styles: Support established directors who wish to return to their roots or experiment with new approaches, as this can lead to interesting and innovative cinema.

• Adapt to Evolving Consumption Habits: While theatrical release is important, the industry should strategically plan for streaming releases to reach wider audiences, particularly for films that might find a strong following on digital platforms.

“June & John (2025)” is a fascinating experiment from Luc Besson, showcasing a return to a more personal filmmaking style and embracing the possibilities of modern technology. As it rolls out globally, its reception will provide valuable insights into audience appetite for intimate, genre-bending stories shot with unconventional methods. The film stands as a testament to creativity under constraint and the enduring appeal of a love story infused with adventure and a touch of magic, reinforcing that compelling cinema can be created through diverse approaches.