Maldoror
Directed by
Fabrice du Welz
Belgium, 1995. The shocking disappearance of two young girls leads to the formation of a secret police operation known as Maldoror. Newly recruited officer Paul Chartier is tasked with monitoring a dangerous suspect but soon finds himself in a losing battle against bureaucracy and systemic dysfunction. As official efforts collapse and the case is closed still unsolved, Paul spirals into obsession, pushing him beyond legal and moral boundaries in a relentless pursuit for justice. Inspired by true events, Maldoror is “a propulsive, compelling thriller” (Screen Daily) about crime, punishment and the failures of institutions meant to protect society.
Cast
- Anthony Bajon
- Alba Gaïa Bellugi
- Alexis Manenti
- Sergi Lopez
- Laurent Lucas
- David Murgia
- Béatrice Dalle
- "Maldoror is an enjoyably meaty recuperation of an infamous scandal."
- "Maldoror vigorously evokes the epic tales of crime and punishment that became a Sidney Lumet hallmark in 1970s American cinema. Fabrice du Welz transforms true events from 1990s Belgium into a meaty, multi-layered puzzle in which a maverick policeman’s righteous pursuit of justice places him at odds with everyone he holds dear. [A] propulsive, compelling thriller that should attract adult audiences who embraced recent titles like The Night Of The 12th (2022) and The Beasts (2022). "
- "[T]his is a superbly-acted, small-town thriller that should appeal to fans of True Crime...."
- "[A] tense psychological action thriller that intertwines vintage aesthetics and sanity-challenging obsession."
- "An immense yet slinking police procedural that slips with disturbing ease into its audiences’ subconscious, Fabrice Du Welz’s Maldoror owes a debt to many contemporary serial killer creepers to come before it but comes together as a formidable, restrained, uniquely resonant work that finds the director at the height of his powers in telling a story at once hauntingly personal and broad in scope."
- "[T]his is an intelligent take on an established formula that gives its actors time and space to deliver the emotional goods."
- "[A] real head-banger of a movie. "
- "“Maldoror” ... shakes you to the core with dark depths humans can sink to while restoring your faith in the future of film."
- "Through its compelling blend of story, performance, and visual and auditory scope, MALDOROR is a reflective exploration into the heart of human darkness, challenging audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about society and themselves. "
Awards & Recognition
Official Selection
Venice Film Festival
Venice Film Festival
Official Selection
Fantastic Fest
Fantastic Fest
Official Selection
Beyond Fest LA
Beyond Fest LA
Official Selection
BFI London Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival
Nominated
Jury Prize
Fantasy Filmfest
Jury Prize
Fantasy Filmfest
Nominated
Best Feature Length Film
Sitges Film Festival
Best Feature Length Film
Sitges Film Festival
Nominated
Best Film Award
Lisbon Film Festival
Best Film Award
Lisbon Film Festival
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