French Film Explores Group Therapy in ‘Group – The Schopenhauer Project’

French filmmaker Alexis Lloyd invites audiences into the world of therapy with his new film, Group – The Schopenhauer Project. The movie centers on a newcomer who joins a therapy group and expresses his desire to write a television series based on his experiences there. This unique narrative combines scripted storylines with improvised dialogue, enhanced by the presence of a psychoanalyst, creating a fresh cinematic experience.

The film, which draws inspiration from Irvin D. Yalom‘s novel The Schopenhauer Cure, will have its world premiere at the Naples International Film Festival in Florida on March 15, 2024. The festival describes the film as a “riveting, illuminating, and voyeuristic feature.” As tensions rise within the group, the synopsis notes that the newcomer’s intentions do not sit well with the existing members, who have built a trusting environment filled with shared secrets, laughter, and emotional revelations.

Lloyd, who also served as the writer and director, crafted the film using a talented ensemble cast, including Teresa Avia Lim, Ezra Barnes, Bernardo Cubria, Gabriela Kohen, Elisha Lawson, Cara Ronzetti, Thomas Sadoski, and Lucy Walters. A notable addition to the cast is Dr. Elliot Zeisel, the only non-actor in the group, who plays the character of Dr. Ezra Herzfeld, referred to as “Doc.” His role is to provide authentic insight into the practice of psychoanalysis, as Lloyd requested that he refrain from acting.

The production team includes prominent figures such as Ronald Guttman, Jack Lechner, Molly Conners, and Alex Spatt. Reflecting on his adaptation of Yalom’s work, Lloyd stated, “When I first encountered Yalom’s novel, I felt there was a unique territory for cinema there: raw, unpredictable, profoundly human.” He emphasized that group therapy reveals fears, desires, and conflicts that traditional screenwriting struggles to portray. His goal was to convey the intensity and emotional truths inherent in such settings with authenticity.

The film’s trailer offers a glimpse “behind the scenes” of the therapy sessions, showcasing the interpersonal conflicts that arise following the newcomer’s introduction to the group. As anticipation builds for the film’s release, audiences can expect a poignant exploration of human connection and the complexities of emotional healing.