★★★★☆
In a small town near Grenoble, nestled in the French mountains, Dominik Moll’s latest film, The Night of the 12th, takes us on a haunting journey into the depths of an unresolved murder case.
Based on two chapters from Pauline Guena’s book 18.3 – A Year with the Judicial Police, the film explores the impact of this investigation on the detectives assigned to the case. It delves into the dark recesses of the human psyche.
The murder of Clara Royer (Lula Cotton-Frapier), a young woman brutally killed by fire, sets the stage for this chilling police procedural. Captain Yohan (Bastien Bouillon) leads the detectives tasked with unravelling the mystery of her death.
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The investigation exposes the grim reality of men’s violence against women and forces the detectives to confront their attitudes and biases. As they delve deeper into Clara’s relationships, the detectives meet a series of disturbing male characters, each displaying a callous, selfish, and brutal attitude toward women.
Bastien Bouillon as Captain Yohan
Moll masterfully invites the audience to participate in the police procedure, making us feel the tension and uncertainty as the detectives navigate a web of false leads, bureaucratic obstacles, and society seemingly falling apart. The lack of music further enhances the film’s sombre and discomforting tone, creating an atmosphere of unrelenting pressure and mounting frustration.
The detectives’ relationships with one another also play a crucial role in the film. Moll uses the shared meals in the office to emphasise the camaraderie and the support they provide each other in the face of a gruelling and emotionally taxing investigation. Captain Yohan, a loner by nature, is forced to confront his emotions and insecurities as the case becomes increasingly personal.
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In The Night of the 12th, Moll presents a sobering reflection on male-female relations. The detectives grapple with the unsettling realisation that contempt for women seems to be a social norm in their environment. This raises questions about where normality ends and strangeness begins as we’re left to ponder the complexities of human relationships and the dark undercurrents that sometimes lurk beneath the surface.
The performances are exceptional, particularly those of Bastien Bouillon as Captain Yohan and Bouli Lanners as the older detective, Marceau. Their portrayals lend authenticity and depth to their characters, making the audience empathise with their struggles and frustrations.
While the film may not provide the usual satisfaction of solving the central mystery, it offers a more profound and thought-provoking experience. Focusing on the detectives’ emotional journey and the societal implications of the case, The Night of the 12th transcends the boundaries of a traditional whodunnit, leaving a lasting impression on its viewers.
Dominik Moll’s latest creation is a compelling and unsettling exploration of an unresolved murder case, the impact on the detectives involved, and the dark side of human relationships. With its haunting atmosphere, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes, the film is a powerful and engaging cinematic experience.
