Les Misérables

Les Misérables dives into the gritty landscape of suburban Paris, reflecting issues of crime and social unrest. While it offers a raw perspective, the film sometimes feels more like a collection of impactful scenes than a cohesive narrative.

Tensions in Suburban Paris

Stéphane joins the Anti-Crime Squad in Montfermeil, where he and his fellow officers, Chris and Gwada, must navigate the boiling tensions between rival gangs. The story unravels as a routine arrest spirals out of control, witnessed by a drone that captures the chaos, threatening to expose the raw and dangerous reality of life in the suburbs. The film, while borrowing its name and thematic essence from Victor Hugo's novel, stands on its own as a contemporary examination of socio-political issues affecting the marginalized in Paris. The pacing is mostly tight, though there are moments where the plot meanders without clear direction.

Strong Performances, Mixed Depth

The performances in Les Misérables feel both authentic and powerful, especially Damien Bonnard as Stéphane, who portrays a blend of naivety and determination. Alexis Manenti’s Chris brings a hardened, almost nihilistic edge, effectively showcasing the weariness of a cop disillusioned by his environment. However, Djebril Zonga's Gwada feels slightly underutilized, often overshadowed by the stronger personalities around him. The ensemble generally works well together, yet some characters, like the Mayor played by Steve Tientcheu, feel more like plot devices than fully fleshed-out individuals, leaving an opportunity for richer character development on the table.

Raw and Gritty Aesthetics

Ladj Ly’s directorial approach in Les Misérables is gritty and immersive, effectively capturing the tension and claustrophobia of the suburbs. The cinematography offers a raw visual style, often featuring handheld shots that follow the characters closely, which enhances the urgency of the narrative. However, the overuse of certain visual motifs, like the drone’s perspective, can feel heavy-handed at times, detracting from the grounded nature of the storyline. The film’s aesthetic choices certainly reinforce its themes, but they also run the risk of overshadowing the narrative’s deeper elements and leading to bouts of visual fatigue.

Tension with Some Lulls

Watching Les Misérables is a mix of tension and frustration; the emotional weight is palpable, especially during moments of conflict. However, the film can drag in places, making it feel longer than its 104-minute runtime. Scenes that should land with intensity sometimes get lost in their execution, with pacing issues that disrupt the flow. The build-up to climactic moments is effective but occasionally feels repetitive, diminishing the impact when the stakes rise. The emotional highs are genuine, but they come interspersed with moments that may lead viewers to check the time, wondering when the film will find its forward thrust again.