Police were watching the protests. But who was watching them?

Police were watching the protests. But who was watching them? This question lies at the heart of Case 137, a new film by German-French director Dominik Moll, which delves into the tensions and complexities of the 2018 Yellow Vest protests in France. The film opens with vivid imagery of barricades made from household items, evoking a sense of chaos reminiscent of historical revolutions. These scenes set the stage for a narrative centered around a tragic incident involving five police officers and two teenagers, culminating in the shooting of one boy in the head. The film draws inspiration from real-life events during the 2018 protests, where eleven people lost their lives and thousands suffered injuries. Both protesters and law enforcement faced severe consequences, with many protesters sustaining serious harm due to plastic shrapnel used by the police. Official complaints regarding police conduct were forwarded to internal investigation units, yet these actions were staunchly defended by police unions. Case 137 focuses on a specific case involving the Girard family from Saint-Dizier, a small town experiencing economic decline. Guillaume, a young boy eager to experience Paris for the first time, finds himself in a life-altering situation when he is shot by police during the protests. His sister's boyfriend, an apprentice electrician, and his mother, a home carer, represent a cross-section of individuals struggling with low wages and deteriorating living conditions. Their journey to the capital, filled with excitement and hope, takes a dark turn as Guillaume ends up hospitalized with brain damage, unable to speak. Dominik Moll, known for his diverse range of films, from quirky tales to detailed examinations of crime, has crafted a narrative that highlights the procedural aspects of investigative work. In Case 137, the tension between the personal and professional is palpable, especially through the character of Stephanie, played by Lea Drucker. As a policewoman investigating her colleagues, Stephanie embodies a stoic determination, navigating through a labyrinth of emails, phone calls, and interviews that reveal the intricacies of her role. Her emotional restraint contrasts sharply with the chaos surrounding her, showcasing her resilience amidst adversity. Moll reflects on how the police force transformed after the 2018 protests, becoming increasingly militarized and equipped with heavy weaponry. While he did not initially intend to create a Kafkaesque atmosphere, the setting of administrative environments with their inherent challenges and pressures inevitably led to such themes. The cinematography further reinforces this notion, with scenes often confined to boxy offices and long corridors, emphasizing the bureaucratic nature of the system. Lea Drucker’s portrayal of Stephanie is nuanced, capturing the essence of a woman who must maintain composure even under duress. Her performance earned her a César Award, recognizing her ability to convey depth without overt emotion. When confronted with the brutal realities of her job, including witnessing graphic footage or facing hostility from victims' families, Stephanie remains composed, highlighting her strength and dedication to justice. As the film unfolds, viewers witness the broader implications of the protests, revealing a multifaceted movement driven by various grievances, from agricultural subsidy cuts to the closure of local post offices. While anti-immigrant sentiments and far-right ideologies were prominent, Moll emphasizes that the majority of participants sought visibility rather than radical change. This complexity adds layers to the narrative, challenging simplistic portrayals of the protesters as merely seeking lower fuel prices and exhibiting violence. In Case 137, the interplay between individual narratives and systemic issues becomes evident, offering a critical examination of power dynamics within law enforcement and society at large. Through the lens of a single tragic incident, Moll explores the human cost of conflict and the ethical dilemmas faced by those tasked with maintaining order.