French Film Review: Maigret

First published: July 21, 2022 by France Today Editors

If you’ve read the original Maigret novels then you’ll know what genius casting Depardieu is. This movie takes us to Paris in 1953, where the famous Maigret is investigating the death of a young girl. With nothing to identify the body, nobody seems to have known her, or even seen her. During his inquiry Maigret encounters Betty, a young offender. She reminds him of the dead girl and of an older and far more intimate acquaintance… This stylish film is beautifully shot and lovingly made. Director Leconte, who read the books as a kid, was told by his university philosophy professor: “We’re going to spend time with Descartes, Hegel, Kierkegaard and Kant, but know that for me the greatest philosopher is Georges Simenon.”