Bastards Movie Review

Bastards is a Hollywood movie directed by Claire Denis Claire Denis is a well-known French movie director >> Read More... and written by Jean-Pol Fargeau. The movie features Vincent Lindon as Marco Silvestri, Chiara Mastroianni as Raphaelle, and Julie Bataille as Sandra. It also stars Michel Subor, Lola Creton, Alex Descas, Florence Loiret Caille and Gregoire Colin in supporting role. The film got produced by Vincent Marvel, Brahim Chioua, Laurence Clerc, and Olivier Thery- Lapiney.  Annette Dutertre edited this movie, and Agnes Godard carried out the cinematography. The production design team includes Michel Barthelemy Karine Dhont.

Plot

Marco is a ship’s captain who leaves his job and returns to Paris after his sister’s husband killed himself. His niece got hospitalized due to a severe assault. Soon he finds out about the man behind all the tragedy and plans an elaborate scheme to take revenge. He decides to have an affair with his young wife and find more secrets to destroy the man. But he was not ready for the disturbing forces and evil manipulations around his family matters.

Star Performance

Vincent Lindon portrayed the lead character, who is looking for vengeance brilliantly carried out by the actor. Julie Bataille plays the role well enough to make the audience feel hate, rage, and sick toward her character. The actress playing the role of Justine brings a lot of soul-shattering emotions and commendably carries herself as is required.

Analysis

The movie begins with a tragedy that befalls a family, which unravels more secrets surrounding them. Through various perspectives and backstories, the story gradually uncovers the violent truth behind a brutal assault. The movie talks about sexual assault, incest, victim blaming, sexual slavery, and other sensitive topics that make it difficult to watch. It is a confusing tale that keeps audiences guessing throughout. The ending is vague, making the audience piece together the information for themselves.  

What’s There?

• A thought-provoking plot with some unsettling twists and turns of event
• Excellent acting performed by the entire cast
• Slowly exposed noir film that has a morbidly investing undertone
• Ugly realities of a dysfunctional family

What’s Not There?

• It lacks a proper close-ended storyline that leaves the audience hanging.
• It is a dark and depressing watch due to the sensitive subjects addressed in the movie.
• It has problematic contexts that make it tasteless.
• Lack of execution as it scrambles from one scene to the next very often without letting the audience have some time to sink in the information provided.

 Verdict

A thriller noir movie contains a provocative opacity and only provides truth through visual clues that will get the audience immersed in their world. It is a definite watch for the audience interested in a dubious and revolting mystery that will leave a mark.