Story perspectives

Dupieux’s Surreal Comedy Shows Swelling Dad, Overeating Daughter

5/18/2026

Summary

Dupieux Releases Comedy

Director Quentin Dupieux released a surreal comedy starring Owen Stewart as Madeleine and Woody Harrelson as Phil.
The film’s central visual gag shows Madeleine compulsively overeating while Phil physically swells.
A heated argument over a clogged toilet in a hotel suite highlights the strained father-daughter dynamic.
Critics say the immediate chemistry between Stewart and Harrelson drives the humor despite their first collaboration.

Summary

Dupieux Debuts

Quentin Dupieux wrote and shot “Full Phil”, debuting in the Midnight Screenings at Cannes 2026.
The 1-hour-16-minute runtime is underscored by low-frequency electronic music from Martin Caraux and Alexis Place.
Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim headline a monster B-plot that parodies classic creature-feature tropes.
Critics found the premiere polarizing, noting its absurdist satire and body-horror mix, and marking Dupieux’s first collaboration in over ten years with Kristen Stewart and Woody Harrelson.

Summary

Dupieux Shows Riot

The film intercuts its absurd plot with a Paris riot in which armored police beat protesters.
A Molotov cocktail is thrown at Phil and Madeleine’s taxi, prompting the driver to suggest they walk.
American tourists remain oblivious to the unrest, providing a recurring gag about clueless travelers.
Dupieux’s upcoming animated feature “Vertiginous” will close Cannes’ Directors’ Fortnight on Thursday.

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Dupieux Releases Comedy

Director Quentin Dupieux released a surreal comedy starring Owen Stewart as Madeleine and Woody Harrelson as Phil.
The film’s central visual gag shows Madeleine compulsively overeating while Phil physically swells.
A heated argument over a clogged toilet in a hotel suite highlights the strained father-daughter dynamic.
Critics say the immediate chemistry between Stewart and Harrelson drives the humor despite their first collaboration.

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