Unmasking Biases in Riveting Murder Mystery

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Night of the 12th (La nuit du 12)
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Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 55m
Director(s): Dominik Moll
Writer(s): Gilles Marchand, Dominik Moll
Cast: Bastien Bouillon, Bouli Lanners, Théo Cholbi, Johann Dionnet, Thibaut Evrard, Julien Frison, Paul Jeanon, Mouna Soualem, Pauline Serieys, Lula Cotton Frapier
Language: French with English subtitles
Where To Watch: premieres at NYC's Quad Cinema on May 19, 2023, followed by additional markets

RAVING REVIEW: Director Dominik Moll invites us to embark on a thrilling journey in THE NIGHT OF THE 12TH. This isn't your average crime thriller; it's a narrative tale taken from the gripping true crime novel by Pauline Guéna. The storyline doesn't just revolve around a murder mystery, but it also navigates the murky waters of societal norms and biases.

Meet Captain Yohan Vivès, played by Bastien Bouillon. This character has layers, allowing the audience to continue to explore who they are as their story unfolds. After being promoted, the gloves come off, and he faces the case of a lifetime. The film’s narrative looks beyond the surface level of what you think when looking at a police drama. Vivès' character arc mirrors his professional life, showcasing a relentless quest for justice, despite the challenges stacked against him.

Enter Nadia, brought to life by Mouna Soualem; her character adds complexity to the film; she's the only woman on the investigative team and can offer e different perspective on the case. This allows the film to tackle the male-dominated workspace and women's issues in making their voices heard.

THE NIGHT OF THE 12TH balances its intense on-screen presence with a score equally powerful yet subdued simultaneously. The film is more than just a story; it's a thought experiment. It uses the unsolved murder case to highlight more significant societal issues and helps force the audience to look hard at their biases and realities they would otherwise ignore. It critiques a male-dominated law enforcement system struggling to handle crimes like this effectively, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and empathetic approach.

The film's widespread recognition and numerous accolades reflect its impact on audiences and critics alike. From its premiere at Cannes to its victories at the esteemed César and Lumiere Awards and its success at the 2023 Magritte Awards, it's clear THE NIGHT OF THE 12TH has struck a chord across borders and cultures.

In summary, THE NIGHT OF THE 12TH is an experience that resonates with you; it's a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on the issues in our societies and how we can begin to solve them.

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[photo courtesy of FILM MOVEMENT]