Unraveling the Shadows: A Deep Dive into **Dossier 137** at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival
Dominik Moll teams up once again with scribe Gilles Marchand in their latest venture, Dossier 137. Following the success of Only the Animals (2019) and the critically acclaimed The Night of the 12th (2022), this film marks their third collaboration in the genre. With a title as stark as its premise, the movie delves into the gritty world of police procedures against the backdrop of the **Yellow Vest Protests** in Paris from 2018 to 2020.
Female Resilience in a World of Strife
At the heart of this narrative is Stephanie, portrayed brilliantly by Lea Drucker. As an investigator for the IGPN, the body responsible for scrutinizing police misconduct, Stephanie is inundated with complaints amid the turmoil of the protests. Initially sparked by genuine calls for workers’ rights, these demonstrations morphed into scenes of chaos, intensified by excessive police force against peaceful protestors.
When a distraught mother approaches Stephanie, filing a complaint for her son, who suffered severe injuries after being shot in the head by a riot gun, it sends the investigation spiraling into a personal realm. As Stephanie retraces her steps through her own past, she discovers her connection to the family affected. This personal crisis becomes the catalyst for a gripping narrative that intertwines **justice and emotional turmoil**.
Authenticity Meets Artistic Ambition
While Jean-Luc Godard reportedly explored similar themes before his passing, Moll’s approach stands distinctly apart. In Dossier 137, the blend of social realism and character-driven storytelling evokes a sense of familiarity with the works of Stéphane Brizé, known for capturing the nuances of human conscience. Moll, however, expertly weaves the threads of conflict and ethics using the profound performance of Lea Drucker.
Her character’s journey—one that questions institutional loyalties in a world riven with **moral ambiguity**—invites us to grapple with thorny questions: Should a background in law enforcement bias one’s perspective in investigating police misconduct? Through the lens of her upbringing and the unfolding drama, the film challenges our perceptions of allegiance and truth.
The Emotional Core: A Stark Reflection of Reality
As the story progresses into its third act, the frustrations of bureaucracy and the crushing weight of **technicalities** come to the forefront. Moll and Marchand do not present shocking revelations; instead, they craft a **human-centered narrative** that leads to Stephanie’s awakening. Despite the evidence laid bare, the system continues to protect its own, triggering a crisis of faith for both the investigator and the audience.
While the film grapples with heavy themes of injustice, much of the supporting cast feels like archetypes rather than fully fleshed-out characters. Guslagie Malanda stands out as a key player whose involvement unsettles yet detaches from Stephanie’s emotional journey, ultimately rendering her role somewhat distant.
Final Thoughts: Navigating the Gray Areas of Justice
Dossier 137 offers a reflective narrative on societal unrest that is at once timely and poignant. While the film may not break new ground in the genre, Lea Drucker’s **captivating performance** anchors the story, ensuring it resonates amidst a backdrop of turmoil lingering in contemporary culture. As we watch from the sidelines, we are reminded that behind every case number lies a human story, often lost in the shuffle of red tape.
Reviewed on May 15th at the **2025 Cannes Film Festival** (78th edition) – Competition. Total runtime: 115 minutes.
⭐️⭐️½/⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
