The Count of Monte Cristo is a bold, gripping adaptation that breathes fresh life into Alexandre Dumas’ classic. With stunning performances, gorgeous cinematography, and a real sense of historical texture, it just might be the best film you’ll see this year. Directors Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre De La Patellière handle the story with confidence and heart, reminding us how powerful great storytelling can still be.
There’s already a quiet buzz around this one, and after catching a preview screening in a packed cinema, it was a refreshing reminder of how special the big screen experience can be.
For those unfamiliar, The Count of Monte Cristo is a sweeping tale of betrayal, revenge, and redemption. It follows Edmond Dantès, a young sailor in 1815 whose life is derailed when he’s falsely accused of treason and thrown in prison. There, he meets a fellow inmate who becomes his mentor, teaching him about the world—and the location of a hidden treasure. After a daring escape, Edmond reinvents himself as the wealthy, mysterious Count of Monte Cristo, and sets out to dismantle the lives of those who wronged him. But his journey forces him to wrestle with deeper questions about justice, vengeance, and who he’s become.
Pierre Niney is exceptional as Edmond. He captures the full emotional arc of the character, from naive optimism to cold calculation, without losing the humanity underneath. His performance carries the film, but the supporting cast, including Anaïs Demoustier, Anamaria Vartolomei, Patrick Mille, Bastien Bouillon, and Laurent Lafitte, bring real weight to every scene. Each actor fits their role like a glove, grounding the drama in something believable and human.
The production design is quietly spectacular. The Count’s homes, especially his main house with its moody indoor courtyard, feel less like film sets and more like actual places, filled with meaning and history. It’s not flashy, but every detail serves the story.
What I loved most is how this film refuses to play by Hollywood rules. There’s no overuse of CGI or sweeping drone shots just for the sake of it. When drones are used, like in the tense hunting scene through the tall grass, the effect is striking and purposeful. Mist is used throughout the film in a way that actually adds to the drama, rather than just setting a mood, it deepens it.
Visually, the film is stunning. It captures 19th-century France in a way that feels grounded, not overly romanticised. Costumes, set design, and lighting all work together to draw you into this world without shouting for attention.
The themes are as relevant as ever: power, jealousy, greed, corruption, and the slippery slope between justice and revenge. Each of the Count’s enemies represents a different facet of human weakness. Mille’s Danglars is driven by greed. Bouillon’s Fernand by envy and ambition. And Lafitte’s Villefort, by the rot of unchecked power. None of them are cartoon villains—they’re frightening because they feel real.
Despite the runtime of just over three hours, the pacing never drags. Every scene earns its place. The subtitles are easy to follow, and the dialogue is lean, keeping the focus on the action and emotion. It’s impressive that the directors kept such a complex story coherent and compelling without splitting it into two parts. (Hollywood likely would have.)
In a time when streaming dominates and attention spans are shorter than ever, The Count of Monte Cristo feels like a throwback in the best sense. It’s a film you should see in a cinema. It’s smart, thrilling, beautifully made, and full of ideas that stick with you long after the credits roll. If it doesn’t sweep awards season, it’ll be a shock. Definitely don’t miss it.
The Count of Montecristo is in cinemas from 10 April 2025.
Release Date: 10 April 2025 (Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Brisbane) | 17 April (Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast)
Director: Matthieu Delaporte & Alexandre de La Patellière
Cast: Pierre Niney, Anaïs Demoustier, Pierfrancesco Favino, Anamaria Vartolomei, Laurent Lafitte, Bastien Bouillon, Vassili Schneider
Duration: 178mins
Country of Origin: France
Tickets: https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/movies/the-count-of-monte-cristo
Website: https://www.palacecinemas.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/palacecinemas/
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