France 2014
Starts September 18, 2014
Directed by: Fred Cavayé
Writing credits: Fred Cavayé, Guillaume Lemans, Olivier Marchal original idea
Cast: Vincent Lindon, Gilles Lellouche, Nadine Labaki, Gilles Cohen, Max Baissette de Malglaive, Velibor Topic
Length: 102 minutes
What sets this French action film apart is impressive production values, utilized from the get-go through to the finish when all the pieces fall in place. Following a glimmering opening sequence—two families’ beach fun, a car crash—by implementing spirited sequences the narrative’s cunning developments is thrust forward. The strong bond uniting Simon (Lindon) and Franck’s (Lellouche) friendship has taken them through thick and thin; thin is Simon’s lot nowadays. Recently released from prison and estranged from Alice (Labaki), his ennui extends to their adolescent son Théo (de Malglaive). Regardless of Simon’s cold-shoulder treatment, Franck persists to help any way he can. Until vice encroaches with sites set on innocence, reigniting Simon.
The screenplay is based on Olivier Marchal’s (36 Quai des Orfèvres) idea: a respected filmmaker, Marchel’s 12 years as a French police officer reaps unimagined benefits. Fred Cavayé directs this suspenseful film whose plot twists on a dime: electrifying action, compelling music (Cliff Martinez), and an ingenious ending. Danny Elsen’s cinematography and Benjamin Weill’s editing—there are some stretches in the story Cavayé should have caught—unconventionally compliment one another. Evocative of noiresque thrillers, if violence makes you squeamish give this a miss. Otherwise, steel yourself for a riveting ride. ()