Squad 36 Review: A French Crime Thriller with a Promising Start but a Disappointing Finish

Image credits: IGN

The French crime drama Squad 36, also known as Bastion 36, begins with a thrilling chase scene that sets the tone for an action-packed movie. Directed by Olivier Marchal, the film has a visually appealing style, reminiscent of mid-2000s Hollywood thrillers, with a cool color palette and slick handheld camera work. However, the plot soon becomes overwhelmed by a clunky cop-corruption storyline that fails to deliver on its initial promise.

Victor Belmondo stars as Antoine Cerda, a troubled police officer who investigates the murder of his former colleagues and the disappearance of another officer. Despite his complex character, Cerda's emotional journey is not fully explored, leaving the audience with a sense of detachment. The film's attempt to create a sense of mystery and intrigue falls flat, with too much repetition and not enough surprises. The action sequences, although intense, are not enough to save the movie from its overall lack of momentum.

The film's cast, including Juliette Dol and Yvan Attal, delivers solid performances, but the characters are not fully developed, making it difficult for the audience to become invested in their stories. The movie's themes of police corruption and betrayal are not new, and the film does not bring anything unique to the table. The plot twists and turns, but the outcome is predictable, and the climax feels unearned. Overall, Squad 36 is a disappointing finish to a promising start, with too much repetition and not enough substance.

For fans of crime thrillers, Squad 36 may still be worth watching, despite its flaws. The film's intense action sequences and dark tone make for a gripping watch, and the twisted politics within the French police force add an extra layer of tension. However, viewers may find themselves checking their watches due to the film's lengthy runtime and slow pacing. Some notable releases in the crime thriller genre include:

• Overdose
• 36th Precinct
• The Interpreter
• Anthony Zimmer
• Rush Hour 3

In conclusion, Squad 36 is a French crime thriller that starts strong but loses momentum due to its clunky plot and lack of character development. While it may still be worth watching for fans of the genre, it is not a must-see movie. With its slick visuals and intense action sequences, Squad 36 has the potential to be a great movie, but it falls short of its promise.