Karnaval (1999): reparto, argumento y streaming

Released in 1999, Karnaval is a comedia and drama film directed by Thomas Vincent, running about 88 minutes.

What it’s about. Karnaval is set against a backdrop of intolerance and hostility in the gloomy Northern French city of Dunkirk. The story is set during carnival time, when the citizens let themselves loose for six weeks of partying, carousing and having a good time. The film centers on Larbi, an Arab youth, and his confrontation with one of the turning points of his life. After a violent argument with his father, Larbi decides to leave the family's business and go to Marseilles for a fresh start. On his last night in the town he grew up in, he sleeps in the hallway of an apartment building, where he is disturbed by Béa and Christian, a couple having fun at the carnival. Larbi is attracted to Béa and decides to stay a few more days to try his luck. In the free atmosphere of the carnival, Larbi discovers a world that he did not know existed, a world which is about to clash with his conservative outlook, and the three lives are changed forever.

Who’s in it. Karnaval stars Sylvie Testud as Béa, Amar ben Abdallah as Larbi, Clovis Cornillac as Christian and Jean-Paul Rouve as Pine.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.5/10, Karnaval has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Karnaval page.

If you liked it. Fans of Karnaval tend to enjoy Forrest Gump, Parásitos, La vida es bella and El club de la lucha.