Holy Cow

“Holy Cow” (released as Vingt Dieux in France) is a 2024 French comedy-drama film that follows Totone, an 18-year-old slacker from the Jura region, who transforms his carefree summer into a mission to craft the finest Comté cheese after his cheese-making father’s sudden death.

Premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival and hitting U.S. theaters on March 27, 2025, via Zeitgeist Films, this debut feature by Louise Courvoisier blends humor and heart. When Totone inherits the care of his 7-year-old sister, he rallies his barfly friends to win a gold medal—and 30,000 euros—at a local agricultural competition, turning their drunken antics into a cheesy coming-of-age tale.

What Is “Holy Cow” About?

“Holy Cow” centers on Totone (Clément Faveau), a Jura native who spends his days drinking and dancing with pals like Mathis (Mathis Bernard) at local bars. His life flips when his father, a skilled Comté cheesemaker, dies unexpectedly, leaving Totone to care for his little sister, Luna (Luna Garret), and a struggling farm.

Desperate for cash, he fixates on the regional agricultural competition’s gold medal for Comté—a nutty, aged cheese from the Jura mountains—and its 30,000-euro prize. With his misfit crew, Totone dives into cheesemaking, navigating mishaps, rivalries, and personal growth, all while balancing responsibility and his wild streak.

Key Details of “Holy Cow”

Plot Breakdown

• Summer Slacking: Totone and his barfly buddies roam Jura’s dance halls, dodging real work until tragedy strikes.
• A New Burden: His father’s death thrusts Totone into guardianship of Luna, pushing him to save their farm.
• The Cheese Quest: Inspired by his dad’s legacy, Totone targets the competition, learning Comté’s craft—milk curation, aging, and all—with hilarious setbacks like botched curds and barn brawls.
• Triumph: The film crescendos at the contest, where Totone’s Comté shines, blending raw talent with newfound maturity.

Cast and Production

• Director: Louise Courvoisier, a Jura native and Cinéfabrique grad, infusing authenticity into her first feature.
• Cast: Clément Faveau (Totone), Luna Garret (Luna), Mathis Bernard (Mathis), with a scrappy ensemble of local talent.
• Accolades: Won the Audience Award at Cannes’ Critics’ Week 2024; 88% on Rotten Tomatoes (web ID: 19).

Release and Reception

Debuted May 16, 2024, at Cannes, with a U.S. release on March 27, 2025. Critics praise its “nuanced coming-of-age” vibe (web ID: 19), and X posts call it “a cheesy delight with heart” (post ID: 0).

Why “Holy Cow” Stands Out

“Holy Cow” isn’t just about cheese—it’s a fresh spin on growing up. Totone’s shift from barfly to cheesemaker mirrors Comté’s own maturation: raw, then refined. The Jura setting—its rolling hills and dairy traditions—grounds the absurdity, while Courvoisier’s vérité style captures rural French life. X fans love the “Dardenne brothers-esque” realism (web ID: 19) and Totone’s relatable messiness, making it a sleeper hit for foodies and film buffs alike.

How to Watch “Holy Cow” in 2025

As of March 23, 2025, “Holy Cow” hits U.S. theaters in four days, on March 27, via Zeitgeist Films. Check Fandango for showtimes. Streaming details are TBD, but expect VOD or platforms like Hulu by late May or June, typical for indie releases.