Jean Valjean (2025): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 2025, Jean Valjean is a drama and history film directed by Éric Besnard, running about 99 minutes.

What it’s about. Jean Valjean is released from prison after nineteen years of hard labor, violence, and suffering. Filled with anger and a deep sense of injustice, he has become a dangerous man who trusts no one and nothing. When he arrives in a small village in Provence, he is repeatedly turned away. Desperate, he unknowingly finds refuge at the house of Bishop Bienvenu, who lives simply, with his sister and a single servant. There, he is surprised by their warm welcome, and his inner demons start to waver. But the temptation to be what society sees in him still haunts him, and he steals the Bishop’s silverware. When the police ultimately catches him, the Bishop forgives him and gifts him the candlesticks. This acts becomes the starting point of Jean Valjean’ transformation into a new man who reclaims his humanity.

Who’s in it. Jean Valjean stars Grégory Gadebois as Jean Valjean, Bernard Campan as Bienvenu Myriel, Isabelle Carré as Baptistine Myriel and Alexandra Lamy as Madame Magloire, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Jean Valjean has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In AU you can rent or buy it from JustWatch TV, Apple TV Store and Amazon Video. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Jean Valjean page.

If you liked it. Fans of Jean Valjean tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.