Night call: A gripping French thriller set against a backdrop of social unrest
A new cinematic gem emerges
Night Call, a French thriller directed by Michiel Blanchart, has captivated audiences worldwide. Set against the backdrop of Black Lives Matter protests in Belgium, this film has been distributed globally by Gaumont and is now available in France. The movie has already been acquired by Magnet Releasing for North American distribution, ensuring its reach to a broader audience.
A locksmith’s perilous journey
The plot of Night Call centers around Mady, a young locksmith who finds himself entangled in a dangerous situation after responding to an emergency call. The call leads him to Claire, who needs a lock opened. However, the door and the bag of cash she takes do not belong to her but to Yannick, a ruthless mob boss. Mady, portrayed by Jonathan Feltre, must navigate a night filled with peril to prove his innocence and survive.
Watch the trailer for Night Call
A promising debut
This film marks the feature debut of Michiel Blanchart, whose live-action short You’re Dead Hélène was shortlisted for the 94th Oscars. The short is now being adapted into an English-language feature produced by Sam Raimi and TriStar Pictures, showcasing Blanchart’s rising prominence in the film industry.
Global acclaim and distribution
Night Call has garnered international attention, with distribution rights sold in various regions, including the U.K. (Vertigo), Spain (A Contracorriente), Italy (102 Distribution), Scandinavia (Nonstop), South Korea (Mediasoft), Latin America (California Filmes), Portugal (Cinemundo), Germany, Austria, German-speaking Luxembourg and Switzerland, Poland (Galapagos), India (Pictureworks), and New Caledonia (Trident Import Export).
The film premiered on the opening night of the Nouvelles Vagues Festival in Biarritz, where it won the Audience Award, further cementing its status as a must-watch thriller.
A collaborative script
Blanchart co-wrote the script with Gilles Marchand, known for The Night of the 12. The story’s tension and urgency are palpable, as Mady has only one night to clear his name amidst a city in turmoil. The film’s narrative is enriched by the social context of the protests, adding layers of complexity and relevance.
Production and style
Produced by Boucan and Quad, known for films like Viva Riva, A Wedding, The Intouchables, and The Death of Stalin, Night Call benefits from a strong production team. Producers Michael Goldberg, Boris Van Gils, Margaux Marciano, and Nicolas Duval Adassovsky, along with co-producer Gaumont, have crafted a film that is both thrilling and thought-provoking.
Gaumont’s Alexis Cassanet has described the film as a gripping thriller in the vein of Fred Cavayé’s Point Blank, highlighting its intense and fast-paced nature.
Personal reflections
As a cinema enthusiast, Night Call stands out not just for its thrilling plot but for its timely and socially relevant backdrop. The film’s ability to weave a personal story of survival with broader social issues makes it a compelling watch. The performances, particularly by Jonathan Feltre and Romain Duris, add depth to the characters, making their struggles and motivations believable and engaging.
For those who appreciate a well-crafted thriller that also offers commentary on contemporary issues, Night Call is a film that should not be missed. Its global distribution ensures that audiences worldwide can experience this cinematic gem.
Final thoughts
Night Call is more than just a thriller; it is a reflection of the times we live in, where personal and social struggles often intersect. Michiel Blanchart’s debut feature is a testament to his storytelling prowess and his ability to create tension and empathy in equal measure. As the film continues to reach new audiences, it is poised to become a significant entry in the genre of socially conscious thrillers.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit the Night Call page.