Directed by Rachid Bouchareb and co-written with Larry Gross, Le Flic de Belleville is an action-comedy starring Omar Sy and Luis Guzmán. Released in theaters in 2018, the film puts a fresh spin on the buddy movie genre, following a French-American partnership navigating between Paris and Miami. It will be available in France on Netflix starting January 14, 2026, according to the platform.
Baaba, a police officer committed to his neighborhood in Belleville, sees his routine disrupted when he witnesses the murder of his childhood friend. To uncover the reasons behind the killing, he agrees to serve as a liaison officer at the French consulate in Miami, a city he must learn to navigate despite cultural differences and his mother’s overwhelming presence. Once there, he’s supported— and often frustrated—by Ricardo, a local cop with a very different temperament.
The duo embarks on an improvised investigation in a setting none of them truly understand, navigating criminal networks, language barriers, and incompatible working styles. The clash of cultures fuels the comedic tension of the story, while the case gradually uncovers a broader context tied to the evolving drug trafficking routes.
Rachid Bouchareb situates this film within the tradition of buddy movies, while also tying it to current social issues. Inspired by conversations with French police officers working in the United States, the story delves into a transnational world rarely depicted in French cinema. The director draws on the experience of Larry Gross, the credited writer of classics like 48 Hrs., to craft a balanced blend of action and comedy. Shot mainly in Miami, the location offers a vibrant setting that highlights both Cuban culture and the complex dynamics of movement between South America, Europe, and Africa.
The film thrives on the dynamic between Omar Sy and Luis Guzmán, one portraying a Parisian cop set in his routines, the other a pragmatic, world-weary American agent. Clear nods to classics like L'Arme Fatale and L'Emmerdeur shape the film’s direction, transforming Paris and Miami into two contrasting hubs of a wandering story. Familial scenes, especially those featuring the mother played by Biyouna, bring a softer, more heartfelt touch to the midst of the action.
Le Flic de Belleville
Film | 2018
Released in theaters: October 17, 2018
Available on Netflix starting January 14, 2026
Action, Comedy | Duration: 1h51
Directed by Rachid Bouchareb | Starring Omar Sy, Luis Guzmán, Biyouna
Country: France
This film follows the tradition of action comedies driven by contrasting characters, while also weaving in a geopolitical layer presented in an approachable way. With a blend of humor, fast-paced storytelling, and cultural clashes, it offers a modern take on the buddy movie set against a transatlantic backdrop shaped by the movement of illicit trades and shifting identities.
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