Le chant du loup (2019)

The film Le chant du loup (2019) begins with a quote attributed to Aristotle: “There are three types of men: the living, the dead, and those at sea.”

A young man possesses the exceptional ability to identify every sound he hears. Onboard a French nuclear submarine, the entire operation relies on him, known as the Golden Ear.

Despite his renowned infallibility, he makes a mistake that jeopardizes the crew’s safety. In his attempt to regain the trust of his fellow sailors, his pursuit leads them into an even more perilous situation.

Within the realm of nuclear deterrence and misinformation, they all find themselves ensnared in an uncontrollable spiral.

In a nuclear submarine, an officer specializing in acoustic analysis makes a critical mistake that could have dire consequences. This marks an impressive debut feature, blending a realistic war thriller with profound psychological depth.

The decision by numerous co-producers to back a novice director with a significant budget for a submarine film, a genre typically dominated by American cinema or large European collaborations, was indeed a considerable risk. Antonin Baudry embraces genre filmmaking, successfully aligning with his original vision. While the film begins with a realistic portrayal in an impressive opening sequence that clarifies the roles of the submarine crew, it subsequently ventures into political fiction, featuring a cleverly constructed narrative filled with unexpected twists. Unlike many submarine-themed films, this story focuses not on rescuing a crew but on a political tension that pushes nations to the brink of nuclear conflict.

The film Le chant du loup opens in a traditional yet documentary-style format, addressing pressing global issues such as the rise of organized Islamist terrorism and Russia’s destabilizing influence, all while crafting a complex narrative set against a backdrop of nuclear fear. It revives the intense anxieties reminiscent of the Cold War era, resulting in a highly stressful viewing experience. Characters find themselves ensnared in military protocols, constantly grappling with their personal interpretations of events versus their obligations as soldiers under higher command. The film’s strength lies in its ability to immerse the audience in the same uncertainty faced by the characters, refraining from casting judgment on any of them.

To fully engage the audience in the intense suspense of the film, the director’s Le chant du loup has meticulously crafted the soundtrack, drawing viewers deep into this oppressive atmosphere. Sound plays a crucial role in the narrative, culminating in an ironic conclusion for the lead character, portrayed skillfully by François Civil. The cast is exceptionally well-selected, with Omar Sy delivering a commendable performance that redeems his previous lackluster roles, Reda Kateb embodying a character burdened by the weight of the world, and Mathieu Kassovitz portraying a principled admiral who balances adherence to protocol with fairness towards his crew. Their collective performances create a believable ensemble, each actor harmonizing with the others.

With its American-style production and precise editing that avoids unnecessary psychological depth or explanatory dialogue, Le chant du loup proudly represents a segment of French genre cinema that stands confidently alongside its American counterparts. The film is taut and exhilarating, guiding the audience through a spectrum of emotions during a thrilling viewing experience. Thus, we wholeheartedly embrace the enjoyment it offers.