Last Updated on 11 August 2025 by frenchflicks
This beautiful coming-of-age story in rural France is now out in theaters.
“Holy Cow,” the debut feature film by director Louise Courvoisier, tells the story of 18-year-old Totone, portrayed by Clément Faveau, who faces the sudden responsibility of caring for his younger sister and managing their struggling family farm in France’s Jura region after their father’s unexpected death. In an effort to save the farm, Totone enters a local competition aiming to produce the best Comté cheese. The director, Louise Courvoisier, who grew up in the Jura region, brought authenticity to the narrative by casting non-professional actors from the area and drawing from her personal experiences.
What did critics say about Holy Cow?
Upon its premiere at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, “Holy Cow” received positive reviews from critics. Lee Marshall of Screen Daily noted that the film is “shot through with compassion for its rascally yet vulnerable protagonist,” and highlighted Courvoisier’s talent in directing non-professional actors. Alexa Dalby from Dog and Wolf praised the film’s depiction of artisan cheese-making techniques, stating, “You almost feel you know enough to do it yourself after watching it.” Amber Wilkinson of Eye for Film commended the depth of the characters and the film’s pacing, remarking that Courvoisier’s debut “nails a teenage outlook on rural life.” Additionally, Serena Seghedoni of Loud and Clear Reviews expressed astonishment at the maturity of Courvoisier’s work, considering it her feature debut.
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