2 + 2 = 5”, the new documentary by Raoul Peck

Presented at Cannes in May, the new film from the director of “I Am Not Your Negro”, dedicated to the life and work of George Orwell, will be released in theaters on February 25, 2026. “Télérama” exclusively reveals a preview.

Aclose I Am Not Your Negro (2016), which superbly highlighted the texts of James Baldwin, Raoul Peck devotes a major documentary to the life and work of George Orwell (1903-1950), the British writer of 1984, Animal Farm et Homage to Catalonia, who spoke forcefully against British imperialism and totalitarianism, whether fascist or Stalinist.

The abundant montage combines extracts from cinematographic adaptations of Orwell’s work or films inspired by his universe, images from documentary archives and contemporary reports (assault by Trumpist activists against the Capitol in January 2021, repression of pro-democracy demonstrations in Burma, etc.). All illuminated, in voice-over, by Orwell’s writings alone (books or letters), read by actor Damian Lewis (alias Brody in the series Homeland). In the age of “alternative truth” and the rise of the extreme right, the visionary thinking of George Orwell appears terribly, tragically current. Presented at the last Cannes Film Festival in the Cannes Première section, Orwell : 2 + 2 = 5 will be released in theaters on February 25, 2026. In the meantime, discover its trailer exclusively for Télérama.