Fred Cavayé adapts Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables for film

Director Fred Cavayé has released a new cinematic adaptation of Victor Hugo’s classic novel, Les Misérables. Following recent adaptations of The Three Musketeers and The Count of Monte Cristo, this production features a high-profile cast including Vincent Lindon as Jean Valjean and Tahar Rahim as Javert.

The film, which runs nearly three hours, attempts to capture the sweeping social themes of Hugo’s work, including the struggles of the proletariat and the impact of poverty. While the production benefits from a significant budget and strong performances—particularly from Tahar Rahim—critics have noted mixed reactions regarding the depth of the storytelling. Some reviews suggest the film moves at a fast, thriller-like pace but may overlook the profound emotional and political weight of the original text, with certain iconic literary moments feeling rushed.