The Sitting Duck, or La Syndicaliste in French, is a 2022 thriller film directed by Jean-Paul Salomé and co-written with Fadette Drouard. This French-German co-production takes audiences on a suspenseful journey inspired by the real-life events detailed in the 2019 book of the same name by Caroline Michel-Aguirre, an investigative journalist for L’Obs.
The film delves into the aftermath of Kearney’s brave revelations, highlighting the price she pays for her courage. Anonymous threats escalated into a violent attack on her home in 2012, adding a chilling layer of suspense to the narrative.
La Syndicaliste premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival on Dec 1, 2023, offering viewers a front-row seat to the tension and intrigue that unfolds as Kearney’s story comes to life on the big screen.
La Syndicaliste Movie Details
| Movie Name | La Syndicaliste |
| Genre | Drama, Mystery & thriller, Biography, Crime |
| Rating | Not Yet |
| Original Language | French |
| Director | Jean-Paul Salomé |
| Producers | Bertrand Faivre, Vincent Gadelle |
| Writers | Fadette Drouard, Jean-Paul Salomé |
| Release Date (Theaters) | Dec 1, 2023 (Limited) |
| Release Date (Streaming) | Jan 12, 2024 |
| Runtime | 2 hours 2 minutes |
| Distributor | Kino Lorber |
Plot Summary:
Meet Maureen Kearney (Isabelle Huppert), a formidable figure as the head union representative of a French multinational nuclear powerhouse. Renowned for her strategic prowess in navigating the elite realms of politics and finance, Maureen unexpectedly finds herself at the epicenter of a web of international conspiracies that threaten to unravel the very fabric of the French nuclear sector.
When she stumbles upon covert backroom dealings, Maureen’s moral compass compels her to become an unlikely whistleblower. Her revelations send shockwaves through the industry, pitting her against formidable adversaries, including government ministers and influential figures within the nuclear conglomerate. As she fights to expose the truth and safeguard the livelihoods of thousands of workers, Maureen becomes a symbol of resistance against the dark underbelly of corporate and political machinations.
However, the narrative takes a dark turn when Maureen becomes the victim of a violent sexual assault in her own home. The attack appears to be a targeted response to her efforts to unveil the hidden secrets. As law enforcement launches an investigation into the assault, the plot thickens with unexpected twists.
Detectives and lawyers, initially sympathetic to Maureen’s plight, find themselves entangled in a complex web of conflicting evidence and powerful interests. Doubt begins to seep into their minds, and they shift their focus from Maureen as a victim to Maureen as a suspect. The line between truth and deception blurs as the investigation takes unexpected turns.
Surrounded by powerful enemies and betrayed by those she thought were allies, Maureen faces a daunting challenge – not only to expose the corruption that plagues the nuclear industry but also to clear her own name. As the walls close in and the veil of deceit grows thicker, Maureen must navigate treacherous waters where trust is a rare commodity.
With the stakes higher than ever, “Veil of Deceit” explores the resilience of the human spirit in the face of betrayal and the relentless pursuit of justice against insurmountable odds. The film weaves a narrative that challenges perceptions, keeping audiences on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth behind the conspiracy is finally unveiled.
Who is in the cast of La Syndicaliste?
Here’s the cast:
- Isabelle Huppert
- Maureen Kearney
- Alexandra Maria Lara (Julie)
- Marina Foïs (Anne Lauvergeon)
- Yvan Attal (Luc Oursel)
- Pierre Deladonchamps (Adjudant-Chef Brémont)
- Grégory Gadebois (Gilles Hugo)
- Christophe Paou (Arnaud Montebourg)
- Geno Lechner (Véronique)
- Gilles Cohen (Maître Témime)
- François-Xavier Demaison (Jean-Pierre Bachmann)
- Christian Hecq (Tirésias)
- Mara Taquin (Fiona Hugo)
- Aloïse Sauvage (Chambard)
- Yves Heck (Médecin Unité médico-judiciaire)
- Andrea Bescond (Présidente tribunal)
- Olivier Loustau (François)
- François Loriquet (Le procureur)
La Syndicaliste Parents Guide
- Violence: Expect scenes of violence, including the aftermath of a violent attack. The thriller genre may involve intense and suspenseful situations.
- Sexual Assault: The plot involves a character experiencing a violent sexual assault. Parents should consider this sensitive content when assessing appropriateness for younger viewers.
- Political and Corporate Intrigue: The movie explores themes of political and corporate conspiracies, potentially involving complex and mature subject matter.
- Language: Check for language content. Some thrillers may include strong language.
- Nudity and Sexual Content: Be aware of scenes involving nudity or explicit sexual content. This can vary depending on the specific content of the film.
- Drug and Alcohol Use: Thrillers sometimes include scenes with characters using drugs or alcohol. Check for such content in the movie.
- Intensity and Suspense: Thrillers are known for their suspenseful and intense scenes. Consider the tolerance of your child for such content.
Recommendation:
Given the potentially mature themes and intense scenes described, “La Syndicaliste” may be more suitable for older teenagers and adults. Parents are encouraged to watch the movie first or review detailed parental guides available on movie databases to make an informed decision based on their child’s maturity level and sensitivities.