Is Olivier Marchal’s New Netflix Film a Sequel to “36 Quai des Orfèvres”? Find Out Here!

The partnership between Netflix and Olivier Marchal is going strong. While Marchal is currently directing the second season of Pax Massilia in Marseille, he is also set to launch his new feature film, “Bastion 36,” in a few days.

This police thriller, a genre Marchal has mastered, follows a BRI commander played by Victor Belmondo who is transferred to the Anti-Crime Brigade following a reprimand from the General Inspection. He then turns his back on his former comrades and his unit, led by the charismatic Sami Belkaïm.

Thirteen months later, two members of his old team are killed within twenty-four hours. When a third member vanishes mysteriously, he decides to conduct his own investigation. His inquiry thrusts him into the midst of a police war and leads him into a harrowing downward spiral.

It’s hard not to think of “36 Quai des Orfèvres” when reading this synopsis, one of Olivier Marchal’s finest films and a standout crime thriller of the 2000s. Daniel Auteuil and Gérard Depardieu starred as leaders of the BRI and BRB respectively, clashing to secure the top position of “big boss.”

A Spiritual Successor

At the announcement of the project, Olivier Marchal described his film as a sequel to “36 Quai,” aiming to celebrate the 20th anniversary with a gift to the audience. These comments were confirmed by Tewfik Jallab in an interview a few months ago: “It was an artistic love at first sight between him and me on Pax Massilia. When he proposed Bastion 36, the sequel to 36 Quai des Orfèvres which is a masterpiece to me, he gave me another gift.”

However, “Bastion 36” is not set in the same universe. According to information obtained from Netflix, it is not a direct sequel. It is more of a spiritual successor as it addresses similar themes: the way police officers turn against the system, the conflict between departments, and the blur between professional and private lives… The two films do not share any characters. Thus, do not expect a cameo from Auteuil, even though Marchal had initially hoped.

The title of the feature film is also a nod to the address at 36 rue du Bastion, where the Regional Directorate of the Judicial Police is currently located, previously based at 36, Quai des Orfèvres.

“Bastion 36” is expected on Netflix on February 28. “36 Quai des Orfèvres” is available on the platform.