In this Netflix film, Antoine Cerda is transferred from the Investigation and Intervention Brigade is transferred to the Anti-Crime Brigade by the General Inspectorate of the French National Police. Soon after, he cuts ties with his old colleagues and decides to start afresh. However, 13 months down the line, when two of his old squad mates turn up dead within 24 hours with a third mysteriously missing, Antoine decides to take matters into his own hands. Unfortunately, this brings up an intense police rivalry that will push him into a downward spiral.
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Squad 36 Netflix Cast
Victor Belmondo, Tewfik Jallab, Yvan Attal, Juliette Dol, Soufiane Guerrab, Jean-Michel Correia, Lydia Andrei, Moussa Mansaly, Erika Sainte, Lise Lomi, Noémie Khidel, Sonia Bendhaou, Guillaume Pottier, Yousef Ramal, Igor Skreblin, Sabrina Seyvecou, Stéphan Wojtowicz, Estelle Skornik, Nicolas Wanczycki
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Squad 36 Movie Director & Screenwriter
Olivier Marchal
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AKA
Bastion 36
The action-thriller film has a runtime of 136 minutes.
Squad 36 Review
This French thriller highlights the issues in the police system and brings forth violent rivalries that will leave viewers’ hearts pumping. The movie, however, is unlike others in the genre that we have seen on Netflix. There’s a psychological angle to it that makes it stand out from others and brings forth a shocking set of revelations that will leave goosebumps.
The story follows Antoine, a police officer with his own demons, who gets transferred from one department to another after he gets embroiled in shady fighting rings. However, after a few months, when his old colleagues start turning up dead, he investigates what is going on and stumbles upon a powerful drug ring. However, it doesn’t seem like that’s all there is to it. The storyline feels familiar in a way but there are nuances to it.
For one the protagonist isn’t the cleanest of people to follow which gives the story somewhat of an edge. You expect the police to be good people but the grey tone of these characters makes the movie stand out. The direction also gives the movie a great edge and the tone is constantly sombre and serious. The constant reminder that something more is afoot is enough to leave viewers hooked. Of course, the threats help keep the vibe alive as well!
I think it also helps that our protagonist is quite vulnerable and is open to apologising for his mistakes. There is however not a lot of action in the true sense. French action films are more fights and less logic, but I was surprised to find that Squad 36 is a bit different. However, I do sometimes feel the weight of its runtime, at love 2 hours, it can get a bit slow. Also, there are several moments in the movie that feel cliched and repetitive. However, I think overall it keeps the mystery alive throughout and the twists and turns are quite entertaining.
Final Thoughts
French film Squad 36 is quite entertaining and unlike others of the genre on Netflix. The politics among the French police force is deliciously twisted and it’s an enjoyable watch that is presented well. With good performances, this one will catch a lot of people’s fancy.
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