Inspired by a little-known murder that took place just outside of Paris, Dominik Moll’s superior police procedural brings to mind David Fincher’s masterpiece Zodiac for daring to dramatise an unsolved case. A gruesome killing that eluded French police for years, the film reveals as much in an opening caption. While this might frustrate some, it shouldn’t as this is arguably Moll’s best film since his 2000 breakthrough Harry, He’s Here To Help. It’s a story that’s not so much interested in tracking down the killer, but in the effect a years-long investigation has on those involved. 

Shifting its action from Paris to the mountainous region of Grenoble, the story begins with a brutal killing, as teenager Clara (Lula Cotton Frapier) is attacked by an unseen assailant who sets her ablaze. On the case are Yohan (Bastien Bouillon) and the older Marceau (Bouli Lanners), two cops with very different approaches to policing.

As the pair interview various men who slept with Clara, the film subtly deals with the way women are (wrongly) seen as inciting aggressive behaviour in men. It’s certainly a dynamite way of exploring the male/female dynamic in the 21st century. As long as you don’t expect a firm conclusion, you’ll be hooked. 

The Night Of The 12^th screens at Cineworld, Glasgow, Sunday 12 March, as part of Glasgow Film Festival; in cinemas nationwide from Friday 31 March.