The French New Wave, and its filmmakers, had a profound impact on the art of cinema. Many of those involved are still revered by filmmakers and audiences for their techniques, work, and the daring of their stories. That’s something Richard Linklater’s new film, Nouvelle Vague, deeply understands.

The film played at festivals and now launches on Netflix Friday. The film—the second from Linklater this year—is a celebration of the French New Wave. In particular, it’s about Jean-Luc Godard and his work to craft his masterpiece, Breathless.

As the film picks up, a group of new auteurs is on the scene. Among them are Francois Truffant (Adrien Rouyard) and Claude Chabrol (Antoine Besson). Both are friends with a writer and critic, Jean-Luc Godard (Guillaume Marbeck), who has decided it’s time for him to finally direct his feature film.

Godard has a story from Truffant and Chabrol about a car thief to make his own. And he sets about gathering financing and putting together a crew to shoot the film. That includes recruiting stars Jean-Paul Belmondo (Aubry Dullin) and the American actress Jean Seberg (Zoey Deutch).

With his cast in place, he has 20 days to shoot his film. But the cast and producers begin to get weary of Godard’s unique style, unique process, and unique vision. Can he get the production to stay the course and bring his film to life?

This is the second film from Linklater in 2025, joining the previously released Blue Moon. That film was about writers crafting great stage productions and musicals. In that case, already established legends beginning a new phase of the career or looking back on past success. With this, he’s focused on an iconic filmmaker who is just beginning. Either way, the films are about the struggle of artists.

I enjoyed Blue Moon and the way it brought the story to life in a unique way with a unique setting. The same is true of Nouvelle Vague. While both films stand on their own and bring their own artistic merit, it’s interesting to consider them as a pair when looking at Linklater’s year in film.

This film does a wonderful job of capturing the time and the style. It’s shot in a classic frame and in black-and-white. That helps transport you to the time and place. It’s a wonderful journey through the chaotic and fraught process of creating a masterpiece. We see Godard’s singular vision, even while his producers and cast are frustrated, confused, and dissatisfied. It’s an interesting and engaging journey.

But it’s also probably a film story that most appeals to those with a love of film history. The film takes great care to frame and introduce everyone we’re about to see. Those who are familiar with the New Wave and its impact will recognize these names and these ideas. Those who are looking for a standalone film might be a little put off by the style of the storytelling.

Still, this is a great labor of love for Linklater. I appreciated the performances and the craft. I like the way this is put together, and I had fun watching it. This is worth checking out for film fans.

Nouvelle Vague streams on Netflix starting Friday, November 14.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.