Maldoror (2024)

-Written by Dante Natale.

Inspired by one of Belgium’s most infamous criminal cases, Maldoror is a dark and deeply unsettling crime thriller that explores not only the hunt for a predator, but the institutional failures that allow evil to thrive. Director Fabrice du Welz crafts a grim procedural where obsession and corruption become just as dangerous as the crimes themselves.

Paul Chartier (Anthony Bajon) is a young police officer assigned to a special investigative unit known as Maldoror after two girls are abducted. Tasked with monitoring a man believed to be connected to the disappearances, Paul finds his hands tied by legal restrictions and bureaucratic roadblocks. Frustrated by the limitations imposed by his superiors, he becomes increasingly determined to rescue the girls and bring those responsible to justice.

Maldoror takes a little time before it gets rolling, but that patience pays off by allowing the audience to develop a connection with its lead. It gives us a clear understanding of Paul’s strong sense of justice and why he becomes so consumed by the case. From the very first scene, we see that he can’t look the other way when confronted with child abuse. His own childhood was troubled, and he has little to no relationship with either of his parents.

For the first forty minutes, Maldoror spends a significant amount of time developing Paul’s relationship with Gina (Abla Gaïa Bellugi) and her Italian family. They welcome him with open arms, giving him the sense of belonging he’s been missing for much of his life. A lengthy wedding sequence in particular feels like something out of The Godfather, immersing viewers in the warmth and closeness of this family while further grounding Paul’s character before the investigation begins to consume him.

Maldoror begins to take us on a dark journey once the pieces start coming together, introducing us to a world of corruption and deceit. Backing it all is a score that captures the mood perfectly. Whether it’s accompanying gritty, suspenseful sequences or more tender moments, composer Vincent Cahay encapsulates the film’s atmosphere and helps pull the audience deeper into its world.

It’s nearly impossible not to yell at the screen during certain scenes. Aside from our lead, nearly everyone seems to be actively sabotaging the effort to find and capture those responsible. You can feel the frustration boiling inside Paul as roadblock after roadblock is placed in his way. Bajon channels that rage with remarkable confidence, delivering a powerful performance that anchors Maldoror from beginning to end.

Ultimately, Maldoror is a bleak, frustrating, and often overwhelming procedural that thrives on its sense of institutional collapse. While its pacing can feel deliberately slow at times, it serves the larger purpose of immersing us in Paul’s deteriorating mindset. Anchored by Anthony Bajon’s intense performance, the film leaves you drained in the best way possible. It’s not an easy watch, but it’s a powerful one that lingers long after the credits roll. I definitely recommend Maldoror for fans of slow-burn thrillers, especially if you enjoy Zodiac or Prisoners.

Directed by Fabrice du Welz.

Written by Fabrice du Welz & Domenico La Porta.

Starring Anthony Bajon, Alba Gaïa Ferrara, Sergi López, Laurent Lucas, etc. 

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING