Unveil the suspect from confinement.

Unveiling the Grit of "Dossier 137": A Tense Thriller Based on Real-Life Events

Three years on from the acclaimed crime drama "La nuit du 12," director Dominik Moll returns to the Cannes Film Festival with the taut, thought-provoking thriller "Dossier 137." Rooted in true events from the 2018 "gilets jaunes" protests, this gritty drama explores police misconduct and the chase for justice.

At the heart of the story is Stéphanie, an investigator from the Inspection Générale de la Police Nationale (IGPN), played by powerhouse actress Léa Drucker. This dedicated yet passionate investigator finds herself caught up in a thorny case involving Guillaume, a peaceful protester who sustained severe head injuries after being shot by a rubber bullet during a demonstration. Was it an accident or intentional?

Alongside her colleague, Jonathan, Stéphanie delves deep to uncover the truth, investigating potential abuse of power by members of the BRI (Research and Intervention Brigade), who are otherwise lauded as heroes since the Bataclan attacks. A telling detail from a video leads her down a chilling path of inquiry.

"Dossier 137" revisits the police world tackled in "La nuit du 12," delving into the complexities of police institutions and their functioning. Reflecting on the film, Moll commented, "It's a period that was missed in 2018-2019, so not that long ago, and at the same time, it seems very far away because the COVID has passed through. It's a period that shook political power, leading to reactions in the deployment of law enforcement. It's a movement that really highlighted fractures that exist in French society, notably between Paris and small towns, provincial territories where many people feel invisible, that no one is interested in them."

Scrutinizing reason and its borderline madness, the film explores the journey of Stéphanie, a character who is both incredibly reasonable and extremely committed, yet prone to tipping into obsession as her emotional investment in the case intensifies. As screenwriter Gilles Marchand explained, "In reason, there's almost a part of madness, of passion, and ultimately, to do things well, one shouldn't just obey, but also engage in a somewhat unreasonable way."

True-to-life details permeate the film, offering a captivating portrait of the investigation process and shedding light on a fraught period in French history. Sober and intense, "Dossier 137" offers a riveting exploration of law enforcement and societal fractures, engaging viewers in the search for truth and justice. As the festival premiere approached, interest in the film grew, fueled by both the riveting plot and the complex themes it tackles.

Behind the Scenes:Léa Drucker prepared for her role by meeting with investigators from the IGPN to gain insights into their profession, challenges, and the solitude they often experience. The actress shared her passion for the character and the film, noting, "There was in the film, which I found very unique, this language of investigation that is very assumed. There was this emotion that built up throughout the narrative. It was very striking when reading the script. It was very, very rich for me as an experience. I love this character, it touches me deeply."

Controversy swirled around the film even before its official premiere, with actor Theo Navarro-Mussy, who plays a member of the BRI, facing sexual violence allegations from three former partners. This sensitive issue seemed to be only subtly addressed at press events, with journalist queries focusing on the broader themes of justice and responsibility. One particularly intriguing response came from actress Guslagie Malanda, discussing her character's perspective on justice: "I think we really need to question responsibility and the trust it's supposed to inspire."

"The Night of the 12th" set a new standard for police dramas, pushing the boundaries of realistic storytelling while highlighting the complexities of society, the police force, and the pursuit of justice. With gripping developments on the horizon, this riveting thriller is poised to leave audiences breathless and eager for more.

The political atmosphere during the 2018 "gilets jaunes" protests is reflected in the French movie "Dossier 137," which delves into police misconduct, highlighting turmoil within the police force and the societal fractures caused by such conflicts.
As entertainment passes through the lens of real-life events, the movie-and-TV genre offers a captivating portrayal of the behind-the-scenes world of investigations and societal unrest in "Dossier 137," a thought-provoking thriller revolving around the pursuit of justice.