Hold up, cinephiles! Pascal Plante’s upcoming historical survival drama, ‘King’s Daughters’, is officially boarded by WTFilms for worldwide distribution, and folks, this flick is ‘gonna be fire’. Starring the legendary Sandrine Bonnaire alongside Laurie Babin, Lauréna Thellier, Zoé Adjani, and newcomer Marguerite Champoux, this film is set to dive deep into a harrowing, true chapter of history with a fresh, folk-horror twist. It’s not just a story; it’s an experience, blending historical accuracy with a ‘sketchy’ vibe that promises to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.
The core narrative of ‘King’s Daughters’ centers on the Filles du Roi, or ‘King’s Daughters’, a crucial group of approximately 800 young French women who emigrated to New France (modern-day Quebec) between 1663 and 1673. These brave, often orphaned, women were sent by King Louis XIV to bolster the colony’s population and stabilize its societal structure. Beyond the movie’s portrayal of a ‘cursed transatlantic voyage’ rife with disease and hardship, these women faced immense challenges upon arrival, tasked with marrying and founding families in a harsh, unfamiliar land, playing an ‘on point’ role in shaping Canadian identity.
Plante, known for his eclectic filmography including the cyber-thriller ‘Red Rooms’ and punk rom-com ‘Fake Tattoos’, is no stranger to genre-bending, and ‘King’s Daughters’ looks to be his most ambitious project yet. The addition of ‘folk-horror undertones’ to a period drama isn’t just a gimmick; it promises to elevate the inherent dread and psychological terror these women must have felt. Imagine the isolation, the superstitions, and the unknown terrors of a new world amplified through a ‘dope’ horror lens. This approach ‘hits different’, making a historical tale feel profoundly contemporary and unnerving.
What truly sets this production apart is the powerful voice of its three women producers – Dominique Dussault, Stephanie Morissette, and Caroline Bonmarchand. Their commitment to highlighting ‘women’s contributions to history’ resonates deeply, especially in a story of ‘female solidarity’ and ‘resilience’. In an era where diverse narratives are ‘periodt’, their focus on the origins of ‘sisterhood’ within such a brutal historical context feels incredibly timely and ‘straight up’ inspiring. It’s a reminder that even in the toughest times, collective strength can truly ‘slay’.
With principal photography spanning two continents—starting in Montreal and resuming in St-Malo, France—the film promises an authentic visual tapestry befitting its epic scope. This international collaboration underscores the gravitas of the historical journey it depicts, from the old world’s ports to the nascent settlements of the new. While the 2027 release date feels like a long wait, the anticipation for ‘King’s Daughters’ is already building, signaling a major cinematic event that will undoubtedly spark conversation and appreciation for this pivotal, yet often overlooked, part of history. It’s ‘lowkey’ going to be a must-see.
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Livia Dorne covers film, television, music, and pop culture with a keen editorial perspective. She delivers engaging commentary, reviews, and behind-the-scenes insights that keep readers connected to the entertainment world. Her style blends critique with storytelling.
