The Night of the 12th

The Night of the 12th

Year: 2023

Runtime: 115 min

Language: French

Director: Dominik Moll

Echo Score: 71

Budget: $4.4M

DramaMysteryThrillerCrime

In the city of Grenoble, a shocking murder disrupts the quiet streets, prompting Detective Yohan Vivès and his team to investigate the life of the victim, Clara. Their inquiry uncovers hidden secrets and a complicated network of relationships, exposing a twisted path of revenge and deception. As they delve deeper, the detectives must confront a web of motives and desires, where appearances are deceiving and the truth remains elusive.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Night of the 12th yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline – The Night of the 12th (2023)

Trace every key event in The Night of the 12th (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Retirement party and Yohan's promotion

During the night of 12 October 2016, a Grenoble police unit hosts a retirement party for their captain and celebrates the promotion of Yohan Vivès to replace him. The gathering brings a festive mood as colleagues toast the future leadership. The celebration provides the social backdrop before Clara's murder disrupts the night.

Night of 12 October 2016 Grenoble, France (police unit)
2

Clara attacked by masked assailant

In Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, Clara Royer says goodbye to her friends, then is approached by a masked assailant who calls her by name, douses her with lighter fluid, and sets her on fire. The attack unfolds in the dark as she walks home. The act marks the beginning of a major investigation.

That night (12 October 2016) Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
3

Clara's body found in a park

In the morning, Yohan and senior detective Marceau discover Clara's charred body in a nearby park and inform her parents. The discovery triggers the early stage of the inquiry. Investigators begin tracing Clara's recent contacts and relationships.

Morning following the murder Park near Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne
4

Wesley Fontana questioned

Wesley Fontana is questioned and admits a sexual relationship with Clara, but says she pursued him despite his girlfriend, who provides an alibi. The interview introduces a thread of Clara's romantic connections the detectives will pursue. The sense of uncertain alibis begins to complicate the case.

The day after the murder Police station
5

Jules Leroy questioned

Marceau and Loïc question Jules Leroy, who reveals a casual sexual relationship with Clara and giggles about the way she was killed. The interrogation highlights the difficulty of separating rumor from fact in a high-profile case. Investigators note potential motives without solid evidence yet.

A few days after the murder Police station
6

Gabi Lacazette questioned

Gabi Lacazette is brought in; he admits writing a rap about setting Clara on fire after learning of her infidelity, though he insists he is not a violent person. Detectives keep an open mind while assessing his claims. This adds another suspect dimension to the case.

During the investigation Police station
7

Anonymous lighter delivered to Yohan

At the police station, Yohan receives a disposable lighter delivered anonymously inside an envelope. The cryptic gift deepens the mystery surrounding the killer's identity. It raises questions about who knows more than the investigators can prove.

Evening following initial interrogations Police station
8

Denis Douet claims lighter find and ex connection

One evening, Yohan and Marceau visit the crime scene and meet Denis Douet, an older man who says he found the lighter nearby and claims to be one of Clara's exes. His story adds a conflicting thread to the suspect pool. Investigators begin testing Denis's tale against the evidence.

One evening Crime scene near the park
9

Nanie's denial and gender motive

The next day, Yohan questions Nanie again; she omits Denis from the list and tearfully declares that Clara was killed because she was a girl. Her emotional response underscores the emotional and gendered dimensions of the case. The detectives sense the investigation may hinge on social dynamics as much as facts.

Next day Interview room
10

Bloodied T-shirt linked to Vincent Caron

Clara's father yields a bloodied T-shirt found at her makeshift memorial and hands it to the detectives; the shirt belongs to Vincent Caron, who had an affair with Clara. His girlfriend Nathalie defends him and provides an alibi. The discovery adds a concrete physical clue to a case built on timelines and testimonies.

During the investigation Memorial site
11

Marceau's assault on Vincent; transfer

After listening to tapped phone conversations in which Vincent is verbally abusive toward Nathalie, Marceau goes to his apartment and physically attacks him until Yohan arrives and intervenes. Marceau is subsequently transferred. The incident escalates tension within the investigation and the department.

Shortly after the taped calls Vincent Caron's apartment
12

Judge asks to reopen the case

Nearly three years later, an investigating judge asks Yohan to reopen Clara's case. Yohan expresses his frustration that the killer hasn't been identified and that many men questioned seem capable of the crime. The stalled investigation weighs on him and shapes his approach going forward.

Nearly three years after the murder Investigating judge's chamber
13

Gravestone camera plan

As the third anniversary approaches, the judge suggests placing a camera in a fake gravestone at Clara's grave to coax the culprit into exposing themselves. The plan shifts the investigation from questioning suspects to provoking a slip from the killer. It signifies a pivot toward observational evidence.

Three years after the murder Clara's grave
14

Grave stakeout and Mats identified

Yohan and Nadia stake out Clara's grave at night; the footage reveals an unidentified young man singing by the grave, and Nadia identifies him as Mats, who created an online memorial for Clara. The identification focuses the search and reveals Mats's fixation on the victim. The stakeout confirms a new lead tied to Clara's online presence.

Night of the stakeout Clara's grave
15

Mats arrested; hospital background revealed

Mats is taken into custody; investigators learn he was admitted to the Chambéry psychiatric hospital at the time of the crime and that he became fixated on Clara after reading about her murder. He claims to have met Clara at the Chambéry hospital, linking his actions to his mental state. The arrest marks a potential turning point in solving the case.

After arrest Chambéry psychiatric hospital / vicinity

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:07

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of The Night of the 12th

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Night of the 12th in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Night of the 12th is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Night of the 12th Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Night of the 12th, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Night of the 12th Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night of the 12th

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Night of the 12th. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in The Night of the 12th

The Night of the 12th Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Night of the 12th that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Night of the 12th Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Night of the 12th

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Night of the 12th: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About The Night of the 12th

Similar Movies to The Night of the 12th

Discover movies like The Night of the 12th that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.