Movie: The Thread

The French courtroom drama, The Thread, offers several unexpected turns, with the greatest coming at the very end of the movie.  And it’s truly shocking!

Based on true events and adapted from the memoirs of lawyer-turned-bestselling author Jean-Yves Moyart, the movie tells of lawyer Jean Monier’s defence of Nicolas Milik (Grégory Gadebois), who is accused of murdering his wife.

Monier is played by one of France’s best known and most decorated actors, Daniel Auteuil, who also wrote and directed the movie.

Monier first comes into contact with Milik after his ex-wife and fellow counsel Annie (Sidse Babett Knudsen) asks him to fill in for her after Milik’s arrest.

Monier was only meant to represent Milik the once – before his police interview. However, Milik’s predicament inexplicably touches Monier and the more he pieces together the events of the night in question, the more he becomes convinced of Milik’s innocence.

The movie then follows Monier’s efforts both in and outside the courtroom to free the father of five accused of killing his alcoholic wife.

His ploys including attempting to blame Milik’s only friend, Roger (Gaëtan Roussel), and discrediting prosecution witnesses.

Before defending Malik, Monier needed to deal with his own demons as a result of a previous case. A man he had exonerated of murder murdered again which severely impacted Monier. As a result, he had refused to take on further criminal defence cases.

The Thread allows Auteuil to again show his great acting skills as a tired, but determined character doing all he can for his client.

In explaining why he made the movie Auteuil states: “I was immediately struck by the solitude inherent to the profession of a lawyer — the final ally standing beside the accused amidst a sea of adversaries.

“In the film, I endeavour to depict the banality inherent to trial proceedings, where jurors often pronounce judgment based on scant certainties. From this premise, I aimed to cultivate a genre film centred on the psychological inquiry undertaken by a lawyer, drawing inspiration from the ambiance of Western showdowns within courtroom confrontations.”

The casting of Gadebois as Milik helps explain why Monier would have been attracted to Milik’s case. He comes across as a confused, fragile and simple character who just loves his children.

The Thread is unlikely to appeal to anyone looking for an action-packed movie however for those who enjoy a slow burn courtroom drama and some great acting it is well worth considering.

The Thread opens in cinemas around Australia on Thursday August 28.

*©PalaceFilms.