The Crimson Rivers

The Crimson Rivers is a striking example of French crime cinema embracing the atmosphere and scale of an international thriller. Mathieu Kassovitz follows two apparently unrelated investigations through isolated Alpine communities, mysterious institutions and increasingly disturbing discoveries. Jean Reno brings his characteristic restraint and authority to Pierre Niemans, while Vincent Cassel supplies restless energy as Max Kerkerian. Their contrasting personalities give the investigation much of its momentum, but the film's greatest asset is its oppressive atmosphere: cold mountains, imposing architecture and the persistent sense that something deeply wrong lies beneath the surface. The mystery is engaging and the direction often impressive, even if the elaborate revelations do not always match the strength of the buildup. Discovered long after its original release, the film still proves an effective, memorable French thriller. A solid three-star recommendation rather than an untouchable classic.

— Matty, Curator of the Vault