La Syndicaliste (2022) Thriller Movie Review

This resulted in a large number of workers losing their jobs. When Kearney tried to expose these dealings, she faced threats. Matters took a horrific turn when she was assaulted in her home, blindfolded, and tied to a chair. She was discovered later with the letter "A" crudely cut into her abdomen and a knife handle inserted into her va-gina.

The distressing events are depicted in the fact-based drama "La Syndicaliste," also known as "The Sitting Duck." Directed by Jean-Paul Salomé, this film is his second collaboration with versatile actress Isabelle Huppert. Unlike their previous work, the lighthearted "Mama Weed," this film takes a more serious tone, although it is not as successful.

The real-life story, as depicted here, is so full of twists that even the most skilled cinematic storytellers would find it challenging to tidy up. The saga spanned over a decade, and even today, it remains unresolved. Luc Oursel, a key figure in the scenario and an energy executive portrayed by Yvan Attal, passed away in the midst of the conflict initiated by Kearney. Oursel might have been involved in the attack on Kearney. Remarkably, the perpetrators of the assault are still unidentified.

The scenes where a male cop and a female judge try to undermine Maureen's credibility have a strongly disapproving vibe. Isabelle Huppert's portrayal of Maureen is subtle and cunning, but her occasional English with a heavy French accent adds a touch of confusion.

Yet, the filmmakers appear overwhelmed by the extensive storyline, attempting to fit a lot into a two-hour movie. Throughout, the themes feel familiar, reminiscent of the 1999 corporate whistleblower film "The Insider." While it might not be common nowadays to ask for longer movies, "La Syndicaliste" could have benefited from a bit more breathing room.