Imrane and Manuel, who are awaiting a huge drug deal to come through, have been best friends since childhood, as is Detective Driss who is on their trail. Driss dreams of rounding up the entire drug-smuggling gang with the information Imrane gives him, but Imrane is killed in an ambush, and with him Driss’ plans. Driss suffers from guilt over Imrane’s death, and want to protect Manuel, never losing old friend anymore. Meanwhile, Manuel is also determined to avenge Imrane’s death. To get his revenge and crack the case, Driss makes a proposition to Manuel—who accepts. The film unfolds in a heavyweight noir action tone as it explores friendship, betrayal and thirst for revenge shared by Manuel and Driss who must bear the merciless world around them. Matthias Schoenaerts of Rust and Bone (2012) and Reda Kateb of David Oelhoffen’s Venice Film Festival-winning Far From Men (2014) command the screen with powerful performances. The filmmaker’s delicate touch and the actors’ in-depth presentation are deeply resonant. Premiered in competition at the Venice Film Festival. (Erica Nam)