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Drama

The Restless (2023): Cast, Ratings & Ending

The Restless (2023) movie poster

The Restless is a 2023 drama directed by Joachim Lafosse, starring Damien Bonnard as Damien, Patrick Descamps and Leïla Bekhti. It runs 1 hour 57 minutes. Critics gave it 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10.

IMDb rating
6.6/10
Rotten Tomatoes
88%
Echo Score
75
Metascore
74
The Restless (2023) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 57m (117 min)
Director
Joachim Lafosse
Genre
Drama
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is The Restless About?

The premise of The Restless without spoilers. The whole story and the ending explained are in the plot summary further down.

Leila and Damien's intense relationship is tested by his struggle with bipolar disorder. As their passionate love blossoms, they navigate the challenges of his condition, seeking stability and a shared future. He grapples with the fragility of his mental state while yearning to build a lasting life with her, creating a complex and emotional journey for them both.

The Restless Themes & Keywords

· 36 tags
  • bipolar disorder
  • lake
  • boat
  • motorboat
  • father son relationship
  • nudity
  • male nudity
  • swimming pool
  • thrown into a swimming pool
  • thrown into water
  • bare chested male
  • hammock
+24 more
  • swinging
  • cooking
  • school
  • classroom
  • hospital
  • covid 19
  • pandemic
  • virus
  • face mask
  • painting
  • reference to a nationwide lockdown
  • wristwatch
  • pond
  • jumping into water
  • jumping into water with clothes on
  • bathtub
  • ambulance
  • party
  • dancing
  • cigarette smoking
  • no title at beginning
  • title at the end
  • actress shares first name with character
  • actor shares first name with character
Cast & crew

The Restless Cast & Characters

Damien Bonnard leads the cast as Damien, with Patrick Descamps as Patrick - le père de Damien and Leïla Bekhti as Leïla. Directed by Joachim Lafosse; 13 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in The Restless

· 9 more
Ratings

The Restless Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave The Restless 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 6.6/10. Our Echo Score gives it 75/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (60).

75 /100

The Restless Echo Score Breakdown

The Restless presents a compelling study of bipolar disorder through strong performances and an empathetic directorial approach, yet its narrative execution falls short of delivering a fully engaging story. Critics praise Lafosse’s nuanced direction and the film’s sensory cohesion, while many note predictable plot beats and underdeveloped character arcs. The user review underscores the film’s emotional authenticity and effective use of music. Taken together, the film offers significant artistic merit but is hampered by structural weaknesses, resulting in a mixed‑to‑positive reception.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 78

    Regarding art and craft, Lafosse’s direction is frequently highlighted as nuanced and tension‑driven, avoiding cheap tricks while maintaining a steady visual rhythm. Critics commend the film’s understated visual palette and precise editing that support the intimate drama. The user review adds that music is deployed effectively to shape tone. Overall, the technical execution is viewed as a strong, cohesive element of the film.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    When evaluating character and emotion, reviewers note the lead actors deliver heartfelt, nuanced performances that anchor the film’s emotional core. However, several critics argue that the script fails to develop the supporting characters or deepen relational dynamics, resulting in a reliance on stereotypes. The user praise aligns with the strength of the two protagonists, confirming that primary performances mitigate broader character shortcomings.

  • Story & Flow 60

    The story aspect receives mixed feedback, with critics pointing to a predictable narrative and missed opportunities to explore the bipolar subject more deeply. While tension is maintained, pacing is described as uneven, and the plot’s reliance on melodramatic moments detracts from its potential originality. The user acknowledges a cohesive script but also mentions structural flaws, reinforcing the view that the storyline is competent yet not fully compelling.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, reviewers commend the film’s restrained sound design and the purposeful use of music to underscore emotional beats. Visual composition is described as understated yet effective, supporting the intimate atmosphere without drawing attention to itself. Both critics and the user highlight this cohesive sensory approach as a key element that enhances immersion, indicating a generally strong performance in this domain.

  • Rewatch Factor 75

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s emotional authenticity and the depth of its lead performances encourage repeated viewings, while the tension‑driven direction sustains interest. Critics note that despite narrative predictability, the nuanced portrayal and sensory cohesion reward attentive audiences on subsequent watches. The user’s enthusiastic endorsement further suggests lasting appeal, resulting in a solid but not extraordinary replay value.

Plot

The Restless Plot Summary & Ending Explained

What happens in The Restless from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events and the ending explained. The opening is below; the full summary is a 2-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

In the tumultuous year of 1865, we follow the gripping tale of Mitch Baker, a lawyer whose life takes a dramatic turn when he receives the heart-wrenching news of his father’s murder, delivered by the United States Secret Service while in their office. His father fell victim to a betrayal by an informer during a covert operation that aimed to dismantle a group of notorious gunrunners known as “Newton’s Raiders,” who were supplying weapons to Emperor Maximilian I of Mexico, provoking the ire of the United States, which desired a Republican Mexico.

Full summary

The whole story of The Restless, scene by scene, with the ending explained

Read the full summary
Quiz

How Well Do You Know The Restless?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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What year is the setting for 'The Restless'?

Seen The Restless?

FAQ

The Restless FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of The Restless, each answered in a sentence.

How long is The Restless?

The Restless runs 1 hour 57 minutes (117 minutes).

When was The Restless released?

The Restless was released on April 28, 2023.

Who directed The Restless?

The Restless was directed by Joachim Lafosse.

More films by Joachim Lafosse

Who is in the cast of The Restless?

The Restless stars Damien Bonnard as Damien, Patrick Descamps as Patrick - le père de Damien and Leïla Bekhti as Leïla, among 13 credited actors.

How is The Restless rated?

The Restless has 6.6/10 on IMDb, 88% on Rotten Tomatoes and 74 on Metacritic.

Does The Restless have a post-credit scene?

No. The Restless has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is The Restless in?

The original language of The Restless is French.

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