Bastille Day – Film Review by Emily Elphinstone

Director: James Watkins
Writer: Andrew Baldwin
Stars: Idris Elba, Richard Madden, Kelly Reilly

With an unsurprisingly delayed release following last year’s Paris attacks, action thriller Bastille Day tells the story of ‘reckless and irresponsible’ CIA field agent Briar (Idris Elba) tasked with investigating a terror plot on the city. Going against orders (so frequently that the catchphrase of the film must be an infuriated cry of ‘Briar!’) he joins forces with master pickpocket Michael Mason (Richard Madden), who unwittingly becomes involved after stealing a bag containing far more than a wallet. With growing unrest in the city and distrust between American and French agencies; the unlikely duo must find the bag’s original owner, and uncover the real perpetrators of the violence before the city’s Bastille Day celebrations begin.

Written by Andrew Baldwin, who has been announced as screenwriter for the next Bourne film, there are some genuinely thrilling twists: If you want to keep the element of surprise, you absolutely shouldn’t watch the trailer; which gives away most of the major plot points.

Though there are some interesting elements of police corruption, power-play between International Government agencies, and the potential of the internet for rallying people into a mob mentality; this is certainly an action film, rather than a thriller. Directed by James Watkins (The Woman in Black, Eden Lake), the fast paced film keeps up its momentum well, taking full advantage of the on-location shoot by giving a real sense of the city’s various arrondissments. The bomb blast outside a Metro station is difficult to watch without seeming gratuitously violent; and the chase scenes, including a realistically messy dash over rooftops, use the location to great effect. By minimising flashy CGI set pieces in favour of gritty action and a strong cast, the film is far more successful than the likes of ‘London Has Fallen’, despite its low budget.

There’s an interesting supporting cast including Kelly Reilly as CIA handler Karen Dacre, and José Garcia as the smooth talking chief of police; but this is undoubtedly Elba’s film. Like an American version of Luther, Elba dominates the action, leaving Madden struggling to keep up with his charisma. With an increasingly far-fetched plot, ‘Bastille Day’ occasionally leans too close to B movie territory, but luckily Watkins’ direction keeps the action on course with the help of Tim Maurice-Jones’ stunning cinematography.

Unfortunately Bastille Day doesn’t quite have the personality or tension of the many buddy-cop action films that proceed it; but there are some brilliantly fast paced action scenes and the reassuring sense that it doesn’t take itself too seriously. The film may not perfect, but it is thoroughly entertaining; proving once again the star quality of Idris Elba; and the undoubtedly huge potential of relative newcomers Baldwin and Watkins.