The Night of the 12th

In a small French town, police captain Yohan investigates the brutal murder of Clara, a young woman who was set on fire. Despite extensive efforts and numerous interrogations, the killer remains elusive, plunging Yohan into a deepening obsession with the case and its unsolved nature. The investigation forces him to confront the darkness of human nature and the futility of his pursuit.

The Night of the 12th was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for its tense atmosphere, complex character study, and unflinching look at the nature of obsession and grief. Critics praised its realistic portrayal of a police investigation and its departure from typical crime thriller tropes, focusing more on the psychological toll of the case.

• Praised for its gripping and realistic portrayal of a frustrating, unsolved murder investigation.

• Lauded for its masterful direction and the lead performance capturing the psychological toll of obsession.

• Appreciated for its sophisticated and melancholic examination of masculinity and societal misogyny.

Google audience: Audiences generally lauded the film's realistic and immersive depiction of a police investigation, with many commending its ability to build suspense without resorting to cheap thrills. Some viewers found the film's somber tone and ambiguous ending to be thought-provoking, while others noted the strong performances and the compelling narrative.

Won 6 César Awards, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Most Promising Actor (Bastien Bouillon), Best Supporting Actor (Bouli Lanners), and Best Sound. It also received nominations for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Director Dominik Moll was inspired by a real-life case from the archives of the French gendarmerie, though the film is a fictionalized account and not a direct retelling.