Squad 36 (2025) Movie Review

Squad 36 Movie Review: Crime Drama at Its Best

Mar 09, 2025 3 min read Squad 36 Movie Review: Crime Drama at Its Best backdrop image

So you've caught wind of Squad 36 and you're wondering if it's worth your time. Directed by the celebrated Olivier Marchal, this gem of a film really veers into the gritty territory of crime, drama, and thriller. As someone keen on the 'thin blue line' narrative, let me tell you, this movie review might just give you the nudge you need!

The story kicks into high gear as we're thrown into the seedy underbelly of the Anti-Crime Brigade. A senior officer — expertly portrayed by Victor Belmondo — finds himself neck-deep in intrigue as he probes into the deaths of two former comrades and the mysterious disappearance of another. It's like unbuttoning an old coat of secrets! What surfaces is not just about post-mortem glory but a cauldron of bitter and visceral conflict within the police force. A tormented ensemble of Tewfik Jallab, Yvan Attal, Juliette Dol, and Soufiane Guerrab not only breathe life into this tale but add layers that offer more than just your average thrill ride — it's a full-blown cinema analysis.

The acting ensemble, my friends, is not to be missed. Belmondo's performance carries heft, an emotional weight that expertly balances tenacity and vulnerability. Jallab delivers an impassioned performance that brings the rage and the calm, while Dol's presence offers a nuanced tension that keeps you guessing. The direction by Marchal is an intricate dance — amidst the action, the moments of silence are just as gripping. The cinematography makes effective use of the Parisian backdrop, adding texture to the narrative. The brilliance also lies in the screenplay, co-written by Olivier Dujols and Michel Tourscher, which teeters between complexity and clarity, throwing curveballs when least expected.

If comparisons were to be drawn, Squad 36 could sit comfortably with gritty gems like 'La Haine' and 'The Departed'. Much like these masterpieces, it's less about the good cops versus bad cops narrative and more about the complexity of choices and the frailty of moral compasses. It strands somewhere in the dear lineup of best crime movies that understand the art of combining character depth with breathless suspense.

Trust me, fans of the genre will find themselves riveted to the seat as the plot continually evolves with surprises and engrossing twists. If you fancy yourself a dedicated follower of crime thrillers, then dialing into 'Squad 36' is not something to miss. It's a slice of cinematic masterpiece — an emotional, adrenaline-fueled ride that bares its teeth within the first ten minutes. Hop on the 'Squad 36' train; because really, where else are you going to get your fill of impeccable film critique and intense emotional storytelling?If you love crime dramas, this movie is a must-watch!