"Adieu monde cruel," the debut feature film by Félix de Givry, explores the serious issue of school bullying through the story of Otto Vidal, a 14-year-old boy who vanishes after leaving a farewell letter for his classmates. The film was shown at the closing of the Critics' Week section at the Cannes Film Festival in 2026 and is set for a theatrical release on September 9, 2026. The film opens with a tense scene in which Otto, wearing a leather jacket, is being chased by his peers who mock, insult, and threaten him. The next day, the town believes Otto is dead, but Lena, the daughter of a hotel owner, spots him in the shadows—hidden from the public eye. The film delves into the emotional and psychological impact of bullying, focusing on Otto's experience as an outcast who chooses to end his life rather than continue being tormented. His line, "The death is once, life is every day," underscores the film's central theme: the struggle between enduring daily suffering and the desire for escape. The opening scene powerfully illustrates the cruelty of bullying, with the aggressors remaining faceless, emphasizing the dehumanizing nature of the act. After Otto disappears, the community mourns, but Otto, who is actually alive, is afraid to return and face the same torment. Otto's life takes a turn when he meets Lena and later Noé, an orphaned boy, both of whom offer him a chance at hope. The film has an autobiographical element, as director Félix de Givry reveals he experienced bullying as a teenager and that several suicides occurred in his family during that time. The visual style of the film evolves from dark and somber to light and hopeful, symbolizing Otto's journey from despair to a renewed sense of purpose. A voiceover by Françoise Lebrun adds a literary and cinematic quality reminiscent of the French New Wave, while the music and settings enhance the emotional depth of the story. The film's narrative structure is unique: it begins with an ending and concludes with a beginning, creating suspense and prompting viewers to reflect on the initial dramatic setup. Rather than sensationalizing the topic, the film aims to capture the suffering of individuals like Otto and Lena, who navigate the complexities of adolescence and group dynamics. It examines the temptation of disappearance and the challenges of being an outcast, while ultimately highlighting the possibility of hope and a better life after emerging from darkness.