Squad 36

Olivier Marchal’s Squad 36 Struggles to Escape the Shadow of 36 Quai des Orfèvres

French crime thrillers don’t get much more iconic than 36 Quai des Orfèvres (2004), Olivier Marchal’s gritty police procedural that became a cult hit. Two decades later, Marchal returns to the genre with Squad 36 (2025), a Netflix-backed action-drama that’s already drawing comparisons—unfavorable ones—to his own past work. Early reactions suggest the film is a letdown, latestnetflix.com argues, but the behind-the-scenes story reveals a production caught between ambition and familiarity.

A Familiar Formula, Lackluster Reception

Squad 36 (also titled Bastion 36 in some markets) reunites Marchal with the crime genre’s tropes: corrupt cops, high-stakes investigations, and a morally ambiguous Parisian underworld. The cast—led by Victor Belmondo, Tewfik Jallab, and Soufiane Guerrab—brings star power, but critics aren’t impressed. Rotten Tomatoes’ early verdict calls it "more terrible Netflix slop," with Marchal’s direction labeled "bland". French review aggregator SensCritique gives it a dismal 4.7/10, a far cry from the 6.4/10 earned by 36 Quai des Orfèvres. The 123-minute runtime hasn’t helped, with some viewers calling it overlong and derivative.

The problem? Squad 36 feels like a retread. Marchal’s 2004 film was praised for its raw intensity and authentic police drama, but this latest effort struggles to stand out in a crowded genre. The Netflix factor may also be working against it—streaming originals often face harsher scrutiny, especially when they’re compared to theatrical predecessors.

Cast Chemistry and Behind-the-Scenes Rumors

The ensemble cast includes rising stars and veterans, but details about their on-set dynamics are scarce. Victor Belmondo, son of legendary actor Jean-Paul Belmondo, takes a leading role, while Yvan Attal and Juliette Dol add gravitas. However, there’s no evidence of major conflicts or standout performances—just a sense that the material didn’t give them much to work with.

One unconfirmed rumor suggests Marchal clashed with Netflix over creative control. The streaming giant is known for pushing formulaic content, and Squad 36’s tepid reception could reflect that tension. But without concrete sources, this remains speculative.

**Why Squad 36 Fails to Impress**

• Genre Fatigue: French crime thrillers have flooded the market since 36 Quai des Orfèvres, making it harder for new entries to feel fresh. - Streaming vs. Theatrical: Netflix’s algorithm-driven approach may have diluted Marchal’s vision, prioritizing accessibility over grit. - Weak Script: Critics suggest the plot lacks the tension and character depth of Marchal’s earlier work.

The Verdict: A Missed Opportunity

Squad 36 was positioned as a return to form for Marchal, but it’s shaping up as a forgettable entry in his filmography. The director’s signature style—gritty realism, moral ambiguity—feels watered down here, leaving audiences with a by-the-numbers police thriller. For now, 36 Quai des Orfèvres remains untouchable.