Squad 36 is the latest French thriller directed by Olivier Marchal, starring Victor Belmondo investigating the murders of his former colleagues.
Marchal, known for his gritty crime dramas, dedicates the film to his acquaintances in the elite anti-criminal unit BRI.
The movie explores corruption, nihilism, and morally grey characters, serving as a spiritual sequel to Marchal's successful film, 36, Quai Des Orfèvres.
Antoine Cerda, played by Victor Belmondo, delves into a criminal conspiracy after his colleague's brutal execution, risking his life in the process.
In Olivier Marchal's testosterone-filled universe, characters have violent pasts and complex personal demons, navigating a harsh world of policing.
The film showcases themes of professional integrity, internal politics, and the temptation of vigilante justice, culminating in an explosive showdown.
The movie leans on twists, deceptions, and action sequences, questioning the value of law enforcement amidst global criminal networks.
While Squad 36 may not match the heights of its predecessor, it offers an engaging watch for fans of French crime dramas.
Jean-Michel Correia shines as drug lord Karim Mahmoudi, adding a sense of threat and intensity to the investigation plotline.
The film's brutal action scenes, gritty characters, and unexpected ending compensate for some pacing issues in the first half.