Le petit lieutenant

Antoine successfully graduates as a lieutenant from the police academy, marking a significant achievement in his career. This accomplishment sets the stage for his new role in law enforcement and the challenges that lie ahead.

Antoine joins a detective squad in the bustling streets of Paris, leaving behind his young wife in their hometown of Le Havre. This transition represents a new chapter in his life and career, filled with both opportunities and risks.

Caroline, the squad leader, grapples with the recent loss of her son to meningitis and her battle with alcoholism. Despite these challenges, she pursues recovery while forming a bond with her young assistant.

The squad begins their investigation into two brutal attacks involving a Polish man and an English man, both of whom are left beaten, knifed, and discarded in the river. The urgency to find justice grows as the team discovers the severity of these incidents.

Tragedy strikes when the first victim, a Polish man, succumbs to his injuries and does not survive the attack. His death intensifies the urgency of the investigation, leading a witness to come forward with a description of a Russian assailant.

The second victim, an English man, manages to cling to life and provides crucial information about his attacker. His testimony helps the squad narrow down their suspect and offers hope in cracking the case.

While following a lead to a suspect's address, Antoine is left alone when his colleague steps out to use the restroom. Tragically, he is ambushed and fatally knifed, shattering the squad's morale and leaving Caroline devastated.

Coping with Antoine's death, Caroline feels immense grief and frustration over the squad's failure to protect him. She spends a difficult night drinking gin and reflecting on both her personal and professional losses.

Determined to seek justice for Antoine, Caroline pushes through her despair and channels her grief into relentless detective work. Her drive leads her to track down an associate of the killer, reigniting her determination to find the murderer.

Through her efforts, Caroline monitors calls from the actual murderer to an associate, pinpointing his location in Nice. This leads to coordinated efforts to locate and apprehend the man responsible for the violence.

Caroline travels to Nice with the intent to confront the murderer head-on. Despite the distance and her emotional turmoil, she prepares for a tense showdown in order to bring justice for Antoine.

Upon arrival in Nice, Caroline witnesses a coordinated assault by local police as they storm a building suspected to be the hideout of the killer. The tension escalates as the operation unfolds, with the stakes ever higher.

In the climax of the operation, the killer attempts to escape by leaping from a window, leading to a chaotic scene. Caroline, driven by unwavering resolve, draws her pistol to confront the threat and prevent further tragedy.

With decisive action, Caroline eliminates the killer, putting an end to the cycle of violence that has plagued their lives. Her action represents not only personal closure but also a profound commitment to justice for her fallen colleague.