ROME, ITALY June 18, 2026 Italian filmmaker Angelo Antonucci presents Controcorrente – À rebours (Against the Grain), a feature film inspired by J.K. Huysmans' celebrated novel À rebours. The film combines visual storytelling, psychological exploration, and immersive cinematic elements to bring one of French literature's most influential works to contemporary audiences.

Set for theatrical release on June 25, 2026, Controcorrente À rebours follows Giovanni, a young aesthete who retreats from modern society into an isolated villa. As he withdraws from the outside world, the boundaries between memory, reality, and imagination begin to dissolve. Through a carefully constructed visual and sonic landscape, the film explores themes of identity, perception, and personal transformation.

Directed and edited by Angelo Antonucci, the project represents a continuation of his exploration of cinema as a visual and emotional language. Inspired by the traditions of European art cinema, the film emphasizes atmosphere, imagery, and psychological depth while offering audiences an immersive viewing experience.
"My film stands outside the schemes of traditional narrative cinema. I drew inspiration, with great respect and thorough research, from the visionary cinema of Fellini and Antonioni. More seen than spoken, the film is a journey through the imagination and imaginary world of the restless, decadent character from Huysmans' novel a surreal voyage in which the past reconnects with the present and the present with the past," said director Angelo Antonucci.
The screenplay was written by Ekaterina Khudenkikh and is based on Huysmans' novel. The adaptation transforms the literary work into a cinematic experience that combines visual storytelling with psychological and emotional themes.
The cast includes Emanuele Macone as Giovanni, alongside French actor François-Eric Gendron and actress Noemi Gherrero. Together, the cast brings depth and emotional intensity to the film's central themes and characters.

Since its first presentation, Controcorrente – À rebours has received selections and awards from international film festivals across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Festival recognition includes the Festival Internazionale del Cinema di Salerno, Cine Paris Film Festival, Sweden Film Awards, Berlin International Picture Awards, Dubai City Film Festival, Sittannavasal International Film Festival, Peshawar International Film Festival, Global Independent Film Festival of India, Jalgaon International Film Festival, Asian Talent International Film Festival, Ideal International Film Festival, Direct Monthly Film Festival, and Miami Cinematic International Festival, Poombukar Independent Film Festival.

Film Information
Title: Controcorrente – À rebours (Against the Grain)
Director & Editor: Angelo Antonucci
Screenplay: Ekaterina Khudenkikh
Based on: À rebours by J.K. Huysmans
Cast: Emanuele Macone, François-Eric Gendron, Noemi Gherrero
Country: Italy
Year: 2025
Runtime: 111 Minutes
Format: Color
Theatrical Release: June 25, 2026
International Sales & Distribution: Nexus Entertainment Ltd (United Kingdom)

About Angelo Antonucci
Angelo Antonucci is an Italian filmmaker whose work focuses on visual storytelling and cinematic expression. As a director and editor, he explores the relationship between imagery, narrative, and human perception. Through his films, Antonucci continues to develop a distinctive artistic approach that combines psychological themes with visual experimentation.

Media Contact:
Elite Group Distribuzione
Email: [email protected]
International Sales & Distribution: Nexus Entertainment Ltd (United Kingdom)