Case 137

In 2018, France was rocked by the yellow-vest protests against high fuel costs, inflation and unfair tax inequity. Police used "non-lethal" weapons on the crowds, including one young man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time in "Case 137."

Laura's Review:

Laura's review coming soon.

Robin's Review: B+

I have always believed that no-one does police procedurals better than the French and Dominik Moll's latest supports that belief.  The Yellow Vests have taken to the streets and the police have orders to restore law and order and punish looters. The cops are not allowed to use live ammunition, so riot guns with rubber bullets are used instead.

In one such incident, a young man, Guillaume Girard (Come Peronnet), and his friend Remi (Valentin Campagne), happen to be on the street when they pass some can-throwing Yellow Vesters being chased by a group of riot cops. The cops fire on the two young men, hit Girard and put him in the hospital with severe head trauma, His mother, Joelle (Sandra Colombo) files a complaint.

IGPN (Internal Affairs) officer Stephanie Bertrand (Lea Drucker) is assigned to head the investigation and begins the arduous task of collecting all CCTV camera evidence and any other videos they can find. But, the real problem for Bertrand are the department heads of the men responsible for the shooting.

This is where this procedural runs into roadblocks. If you are investigating civilians, that is one thing, But, if you are investigating and, worse, accusing cops of using excessive force, there is going to be stonewalling about responsibility and guilt.

This is where Stephanie has her work cut out for here as she has to plow through  the bullshit, lies and cover-ups at the highest levels in the police. What strikes most is she is castigated by her colleagues, ex-husband included, and shunned because of her investigation. And, she has to deal with the statement by her son, Victor (Solan Machado-Graner) that "people hate cops." With her investigation, she comes to realize that he is right – for a reason.

Lea Drucker has matured as an actress and I mean that in a good way. She gives a powerful performance as a woman balancing two worlds – as a cop and as an investigator of cops. The actor is convincing from start to finish. Supporting cast, which is huge, really flesh out their characters, especially those who are guilty, using denial as a defense.

Is justice done for young, damaged, perhaps permanently damaged, Girard? You will have to find out yourself and see "Case 137." I recommend it.

"Case 137" does not yet have a U.S. release date from its distributor, Film Movement.  It is screening as part of the 30th edition of the Boston French Film Festival at the Museum of Fine Arts.