“Squad 36” (original title: “Bastion 36”) is a French crime thriller directed by Olivier Marchal, released on Netflix on February 28, 2025. The film follows Commandant Antoine Cerda (Victor Belmondo), a dedicated officer in Paris’s elite police unit, Bastion 36. Cerda is known for his unorthodox methods and participation in underground fighting rings to cope with personal demons.
After a public altercation stemming from his extracurricular activities, Cerda faces disciplinary action, leading to his demotion and transfer to a less prestigious unit. Six months into his new role, he becomes aware of a series of tragic events involving his former squad; Vinny, a former colleague, leaves Cerda a distressing voicemail hinting at a grave mistake but is murdered before revealing details. Another squad member, Richard, goes missing under mysterious circumstances.
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Driven by loyalty and suspicion, Cerda initiates an unsanctioned investigation into these incidents. His inquiries uncover a web of corruption within the police force, suggesting that his former colleagues were entangled in illicit activities. As Cerda delves deeper, he confronts dangerous adversaries, including crime boss Karim Mahmoudi (Jean-Michel Correia), whom he had previously encountered during a high-stakes chase.
Throughout his investigation, Cerda grapples with betrayal, moral ambiguity, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality. The film explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the personal costs of a life dedicated to justice.
Despite its shortcomings, the film offers a gritty portrayal of the challenges faced by law enforcement officers, set against the backdrop of Paris’s criminal underworld.
