French Thriller: Crooked Cops, Farmers, and Hunters Collide

Too Many Beasts, the debut feature from director Sarah Arnold, offers a darkly humorous take on small-town corruption and escalating conflict. Set against the backdrop of northeastern France's lush landscapes, the film delves into a simmering feud between hunters and farmers, exacerbated by gentrification and deep-seated regional rivalries.

The narrative centers on Fulda, a Corsican gendarme with a troubled past, who arrives to investigate a murder. He finds himself navigating a murky world where loyalties are uncertain and the law itself seems compromised. His investigation is complicated by a series of bizarre events, including the appearance of animal carcasses throughout the town.

Fulda eventually partners with Stéphane, a police psychologist sent to assist the local force. Despite initial resistance and their own personal struggles, they form an unlikely alliance. Their collaboration, marked by sharp wit and unexpected developments, drives the unraveling of the central mystery, leading to a surprising and intimate conclusion.

Arnold's directorial style is noted for its blend of Coen brothers-esque deadpan thrillers and a unique, unsettling atmosphere. The film uses striking visuals, including overhead tracking shots of pastoral scenes teeming with wildlife, and a dynamic score to heighten both tension and dark humor. The climax features live ammunition and the disorienting effects of liquid meth, culminating in a bold display of connection between the two protagonists.