Dossier 137: A Gripping Examination of Police Brutality
In director **Dominik Moll’s** superb 2022 police thriller, The Night of the 12th, the narrative focused on French detectives chasing a relentless killer. The more they pursued him, the more elusive he became, leading them through an **existential quest** that left them emotionally scarred. This time, in his latest film Dossier 137, Moll flips the script, offering a piercing slow-burn examination of police **brutality**, questioning the very foundations of policing in contemporary France, a nation grappling with social unrest and class division.
A Shift in Perspective
Whereas the officers in **The Night of the 12th** were portrayed as flawed but fundamentally good, the cops in Dossier 137 evolve into the **criminals**, prompting reflection on the ethical implications of law enforcement. This shift profoundly impacts the viewer, forcing one to grapple with concepts of law and order, good and evil, and societal unrest. Moll crafts a deeply unsettling narrative that walks the line between good cop and bad cop, protester and rioter, all of which are vital discussions in our society today.
The Story Unfolds
Told from the perspective of **Stéphanie** (played compellingly by **Léa Drucker**), an officer in the **IGPN**—the body responsible for **internal affairs** in France—the film is rich with procedural jargon. Despite its straightforward premise, Moll elevates the material into a poignant commentary on law enforcement practices. Drawing inspiration from real events surrounding the 2018 Yellow Vest protests, the film interweaves fictional narratives with **real-world incidents** where protesters suffered injuries during violent skirmishes with police, creating a gripping backdrop for a story deeply rooted in social reality.
An Investigation of Tension and Resistance
The narrative pivots around an incident where Guillaume Girard, a young protester, is severely injured by **Flash-ball** fire during a protest near the iconic **Champs-Elysées**. **Stéphanie**, alongside her IGPN partners, Benoît and Mathilde, embarks on a mission to uncover the truth. However, they encounter multiple layers of resistance. Guillaume’s family, especially his mother **Joëlle** (brilliantly played by **Sandra Colombo**), harbors a deep distrust towards law enforcement, complicating Stéphanie’s investigation. She is met with pushback not only from the families of victims but also from riot police dismissive of her inquiries.
The Complex World of Enforcement
Moll paints a vivid picture of a woman caught in a morally ambiguous landscape. As she digs deeper, she faces conflicts with her colleagues and internal struggles regarding her role as a law enforcement officer. One powerful conversation unfolds between her and her ex-husband, who criticizes her dogged pursuit of fellow officers, illuminating the internal conflict many cops face when confronted with misconduct. Stéphanie’s unwavering belief that confronting police **wrongdoing** is vital pushes her narrative into morally complex territory.
Stéphanie’s Journey
The tension escalates, reaching a zenith in the film’s third act. **Dossier 137** challenges viewers to question their beliefs: Is Stéphanie fighting the good fight, or is she crossing ethical boundaries in a fracturing society? The film effectively underscores the chasm between those who uphold the law and those who resist it, offering a nuanced look at bias, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice.
Compelling Performances
Léa Drucker’s performance as **Stéphanie** is noteworthy. Through her journey, we witness a character grappling with her **sense of purpose** amidst chaos. The supporting cast, particularly **Jonathan Turnbull** as Benoît, provides much-needed comic relief, tempering the film’s weighty themes. Their interactions provide insight into the frustrations and struggles inherent in the policing profession, emphasizing that even those in power face significant obstacles in their day-to-day lives.
Visual Storytelling at Its Best
Moll’s adept visual storytelling shines throughout the film. In one sequence, Stéphanie tracks a chambermaid home on public transport, intent on gleaning more information from her. This moment radiates tension, offering one of the few instances of pure suspense in an otherwise dialogue-heavy film. Moll crafts this encounter into not just a plot device but a deeper commentary on the pursuit of truth in a world defined by division.
A Reflection of Society
Ultimately, **Dossier 137** transcends mere crime thriller norms, offering a poignant reflection on the current state of society, where public trust in authority is waning. The film raises vital questions about the nature of law enforcement and societal divides, immersing the audience in a story that feels alarmingly relevant. As **Stéphanie** wades through moral quandaries, viewers are compelled to contemplate their own views on **justice**, **authority**, and the very essence of what it means to uphold the law in a fractured world.