Time travel, YouTube fame, and a dash of French sci-fi? Yes, that’s what’s on the telly tonight. If your Sunday night plans usually involve scrolling endlessly for something to watch, France 2 has just done you a favour. At 9.10pm, it’s airing The Visitor from the Future, a television film that’s already got fans buzzing. And not just because of its explosive plot—but also thanks to a cast that includes the daughter of one of France’s most recognisable directors.
A homegrown sci-fi with global ambition
French cinema doesn’t often dip its toes into science fiction, especially when time travel is involved. That’s typically the territory of Hollywood blockbusters like Back to the Future, Terminator, or Avengers: Endgame. But this new release is breaking the mould—with a bit of French flair and a storyline that’s as clever as it is chaotic.
The Visitor from the Future is based on a cult web series that kicked off in 2009 and quietly became a sensation. Clocking over 45 million views, the series developed a loyal fanbase over four seasons. Its creator, François Descraques, makes his feature film debut here, adapting the universe he built online for the big screen (or, in this case, primetime TV).
At the heart of the story is The Visitor, a mysterious man from the year 2555 who travels back in time to try and stop an apocalyptic future. It’s a proper sci-fi adventure, complete with dystopian landscapes, irreverent humour, and a sense of urgency that keeps things moving at pace.
From YouTube stars to Spielberg-inspired sets
Rather than reboot the cast, Descraques brought back many of the original actors, including his brother Raphaël Descraques as Raph and Florent Dorin as the titular Visitor. He’s also pulled in some fresh faces from the French comedy and YouTube scene—think Mcfly and Carlito, Monsieur Poulpe, and Kyan Khojandi—who bring their own chaotic charm to the ensemble.
One of the standout newcomers is Arnaud Ducret, who spoke openly about his excitement to join the project. “I grew up on Spielberg and Cameron,” he shared in the film’s press kit. “François has that same love for cinema. This is pure genre, and honestly, a joy to act in.” That shared passion shows: the set design, energy and tone aim big, but stay rooted in a kind of scrappy, clever storytelling that feels fresh.
Introducing Enya Baroux: next-gen talent on screen
Also making waves is Enya Baroux, daughter of filmmaker Olivier Baroux—best known for the wildly popular Tuche films. It’s a quiet but notable debut for the young actress, who holds her own alongside a cast full of experienced screen presences and internet personalities alike. While she’s still early in her career, her performance adds a layer of emotional weight to the film, hinting at big things to come.
With its mix of sci-fi spectacle, dark humour and unexpected emotional turns, The Visitor from the Future stands out in a landscape often dominated by formulaic drama. And yes, it’s French, but don’t expect a sleepy, dialogue-heavy affair—this is fast, fun, and surprisingly slick.
So if you’re in the mood for something different tonight—something with time loops, eccentric heroes and a bit of heart—this might just be your perfect Sunday night film.
