Classes Vertes (2009) is a compelling French-language short film that explores the complex, sometimes suffocating nature of maternal love. Directed and co-written by Alexis Van Stratum
, the film runs for approximately 17–18 minutes and is characterized by its tense, psychological atmosphere. Plot Summary The story follows 7-year-old
as he prepares for a "classe verte"—an outdoor school field trip to the countryside. While Jonathan is excited and busy packing his suitcase, his mother is deeply reluctant to let him go. The narrative examines how a mother's intense devotion can overstep boundaries and "wreak havoc" on a child's burgeoning independence. Key Cast and Crew Alexis Van Stratum Marie Enthoven and Alexis Van Stratum Leading Cast: Martin De Myttenaere as Jonathan Catherine Salée as Jonathan's mother Marceau Henrard as Anthony Where to Watch Online Classes Vertes -2009- - Short Film Watch Online
Finding short films on major streaming platforms can be difficult, but you can often find them on niche or filmmaker-focused sites: production details, cast, and trailers Classes Vertes
Some versions or related clips are occasionally hosted by production teams or film festivals on Festival Archives: The film has a history on the festival circuit, such as the ShorTS International Film Festival or more details on Alexis Van Stratum's Classes vertes (Short 2009) - IMDb Classes Vertes (2009) is a compelling French-language short
Title: Classes Vertes (Green Classes) Year: 2009 Directors: Isabelle Carré, Zahia Benslimane Genre: Comedy / Short Film Country: France
In the landscape of French short cinema, few films capture the chaotic energy of childhood quite like Classes Vertes. Released in 2009 and co-directed by the César-winning actress Isabelle Carré and Zahia Benslimane, this short film offers a biting, comedic look at the institutional attempt to bring "nature" to urban youth. Rediscovering a Gem: "Classes Vertes" (2009) Title: Classes
Before diving into viewing options, let’s establish what this film is—and what it is not. Despite the title evoking images of cheerful school trips to the countryside (common in French educational culture), Classes Vertes is anything but nostalgic.
Synopsis:
The film follows a group of young teenagers on a supervised nature retreat. However, instead of campfire songs and ecology lessons, the children stumble upon a strange, semi-feral boy living in the nearby woods. As the adults in charge fail to maintain order, group psychology shifts into something primal. The "civilized" children begin to regress, mirroring the wild child they have discovered. The narrative is sparse, reliant on haunting visuals by cinematographer Antoine Heberlé and an unsettling sound design that turns chirping birds and rustling leaves into instruments of dread.
Genre Classification:
While not a slasher film, Classes Vertes is firmly rooted in psychological horror and folk horror. It draws comparisons to William Golding’s Lord of the Flies and Peter Weir’s The Picnic at Hanging Rock. The horror comes not from a monster, but from the thin veneer of civilization cracking under the weight of adolescence and the wild.
Many French short films have official or unofficial uploads on YouTube. Search for "Classes Vertes 2009 film complet" or "Classes Vertes court métrage".