‘June & John’ Trailer: Luc Besson Shot A Secret L.A. Rom-Com With A Phone During The 2020 Lockdown

French filmmaker Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element”) is back after bringing us “Dogman” in 2023 with a surprise project heading to the European Film Market. This new movie, “June & John,” is a romantic comedy set in Los Angeles that stars newcomers Matilda Price and Luke Stanton Eddy.

Shot in L.A. during the 2020 lockdown with a phone should be a very different experience for audiences accustomed to Besson’s bigger adventures if you’re unfamiliar with the yearly event. EFM is a place where films find financing and distribution partners for a varied roster of filmmakers and projects; it seems with this trailer that they’ve completed the movie and are simply looking for the latter.

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The report revealed a synopsis of the rom-com as well:

“The pic follows John, a young man stuck in a monotonous routine, whose life is transformed when he meets June, a vibrant and fearless woman. Together, they embark on a whirlwind adventure filled with passion, risk, and self-discovery — a race against the clock (and the law) that injects color, magic, and love into their lives.”

While Besson has made plenty of movies set in Europe/France as director and producer, this latest project will place his characters under the Californian sunshine (notably, “June & John” was primarily shot in Los Angeles). Still, it will feature some crime spree elements that echo some of his earlier work. But action is still very present in the romantic story, with some “Bonnie & Clyde” vibes.

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It feels like “June & John” is taking a page from Besson’s lesser-known French movie, “Angel-A,” which also had a romantic angle as a schlub is smitten with a literal angel that convinces him to avoid committing suicide, and their relationship blossoms from there.

They’re aiming for a spring release with Virginie Besson-Silla of EuropaCorp, in association with Kinology producing. Stay tuned for more concrete release details once they iron out deals at EFM.