Official synopsis
Belgium, 1995. The shocking disappearance of two young girls leads to the formation of a secret police operation known as Maldoror. Newly recruited officer Paul Chartier is tasked with monitoring a dangerous suspect but soon finds himself in a losing battle against bureaucracy and systemic dysfunction. As official efforts collapse and the case is still unsolved, Paul spirals into obsession, pushing him beyond legal and moral boundaries in a relentless pursuit for justice. Inspired by true events, Maldoror is . . . about crime, punishment and the failures of institutions meant to protect society.
Review
Director Fabrice du Welz’s 1990s Brussels-set Maldoror is a terrific Belgian/French crime thriller based on true events — the actual serial killer’s real-life murders are not recommended for the faint of heart or weak of stomach to read about, so those who are previously unaware of the Marc Dutroux case are hereby warned. Those interested in mind-boggling behavior from law enforcement departments at odds with each other will find it fascinating.
Anthony Bajon gives a riveting performance as Paul Chartier, a gendarme driven to obsession about not only uncovering the culprit behind a series of murders and disappearances of young girls, but also under the belief that a child sexual abuse ring involving highly placed men exists. The actor leads an excellent, sizable cast that includes Alba Gaïa Bellugi as his put-upon but supporting, pregnant new wife Gina and Sergi López as local crime figure Marcel Dedieu.
Du Welz and cowriter Domenico La Porta follow the facts of the real-life case — prepare to drop your jaw often at the bureaucratic ineptitude and cavalier attitudes on display by those meant to serve the public — while also adding fictional elements designed to be cathartic for those having lived through the time and events covered in the film. Maldoror is a suspenseful, highly discomfiting watch, though one that is finely directed and boasts solid production values and marvelous performances.
Maldoror, from Film Movement, premieres on VOD & Digital on January 16, 2026.
