The Night of the 12th

Dominik Moll (“Lemming”) directs an incomparably gripping, atmospherically dense true-crime story that impressively combines suspense with social relevance: The film centers on the investigation of a femicide that took place several years ago, pushing the investigators to their limits. After a party, a girl encounters a stranger on her way home. It is the night of October 12, in a small town at the foot of the French Alps—and the girl, Clara, will not survive this encounter. For investigator Yohan (Bastien Bouillon), Clara’s murder will haunt him forever: Together with his colleague Marceau (Bouli Lanners), he investigates young and older men who had relationships with Clara. Any one of them could have done it. These were relationships marked by resentment, possessiveness, or indifference. A panorama of darkness unfolds before the two detectives, while the investigation becomes an obsession for Yohan. Clara’s death has touched something deep within him that makes him question the world we live in... Rather than relying on spectacular plot twists, the film focuses on a realistic portrayal of police work and the unsettling question of why violence against women—and, above all, femicides—is often not prevented or solved. With outstanding performances, precise direction, and a oppressive atmosphere, the film lingers in the memory and ranks among the strongest European crime thrillers of recent years. Following its premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, “On the Night of the 12th” was nominated for and won more than a dozen film awards—including the French César Awards and Prix Lumière, both for Best Film.