Restless review: This French cop drama of Franck Gastambide is creative with its plot twists

3.5/5

Story:

Restless (French: Sans répit) is about a corrupt cop who believes he's committed a murder. He goes to great lengths to cover it up but it all blows up on his face soon when he starts getting threats from a mysterious caller.

Review:

There are many cop action dramas made across film industries but what sets this film apart is the plot of a cop against another cop. The film is about a corrupt officer who goes to great lengths to cover up an accident. As soon as he starts believing that he's successfully buried the dead body of the victim and he is all safe now, things take a turn. He receives a mysterious call who threatens him to expose the truth if he doesn't give the caller the dead body.

The film reveals the caller soon but it only adds to the impending drama. It makes it even more interesting in fact when it's revealed that it's another cop, in fact, the head of the narcotics department, who has been calling and threatening him. The twists make it more intriguing. The fight between the two cops makes it more engaging. The two are corrupt officials and threaten to expose each other, yet they can't.

The last scene before the arrest of Thomas might seem a little over the top. But the film ends on a good note, showing crime never pays. For a moment, you wonder if Thomas would escape and try to cover it all up and you might feel sympathetic towards him since he has a young daughter too. However, the makers have cleverly written the end. He is seen at the crime scene, talking to her daughter, saying that he is at work but he is seen being handcuffed as he tells her that he loves her. Though it does strike a chord with the audience, you don't pity him.

The narrative is well-paced and timed. French cinema is known for its creativity and this film does set a good example of it. The ways Thomas tries to cover up the accident and the body are quite unpredictable. The performances by actors are great, especially of Franck Gastambide who plays Thomas in the drama. He plays his character so well that you neither feel sorry for him nor hate him for doing what he does.

Verdict:

Though as the name suggests Restless, the film does not make you restless but it does get you engrossed in the story with several plot twists. The film is actually quite interesting and can be a good one-time watch.