Bac Nord, Cédric Jimenez’s crime thriller, airs on France 2

Released in cinemas in 2021, Bac Nord is a police thriller directed by Cédric Jimenez. Inspired by a real case that took place in Marseille in 2012, the film was written by Cédric Jimenez and Audrey Diwan. It features lead performances by Gilles Lellouche, François Civil, and Karim Leklou. After its theatrical run and extensive streaming exposure, the movie will be broadcast on France 2 on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9:10 PM.

The story unfolds in the northern neighborhoods of Marseille, an area often regarded as one of the most crime-ridden regions in France. In 2012, a crew from the Anti-Crime Brigade works tirelessly to meet the demanding expectations set by their superiors. Under constant pressure, these frontline officers adapt their tactics to combat drug trafficking and everyday violence, sometimes pushing the boundaries of what's acceptable and crossing the line.

When the justice system intervenes in their operations, the entire setup turns against them. The BAC officers find themselves caught in an unrelenting legal machinery that exposes the contradictions within a security system pushed to its limits. Without revealing key plot points, the film delves into moral dilemmas, the concept of personal accountability, and the delicate balance between effective policing and crossing legal boundaries.

The trailer for Bac Nord

BAC Nord

Bac Nord is directly inspired by a high-profile judicial scandal that led to the prosecution of several Marseille police officers. To craft his story, Cédric Jimenez interviewed the real individuals involved in the case, aiming to present their perspectives without taking sides—neither exonerating nor condemning them. The film was shot in working-class neighborhoods of Marseille, away from the usual tourist spots, with the intention of capturing a raw, tense side of the city.

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The film also marks a reunion between the director and Gilles Lellouche, following La French. It continues the recent trend in French cinema to tackle police stories with a gritty, realistic approach, much like Les Misérables by Ladj Ly or Bronx by Olivier Marchal.

With its fast-paced tempo, tense direction, and intense performances, Bac Nord appeals to fans of crime films and stories grounded in reality. It explores the complex relationships between institutions, the field, and the media, while also portraying officers tasked with navigating a violence that far surpasses their immediate scope of action.

Bac Nord
Film | 2021
TV Broadcast: Sunday, January 18, 2026, at 9:10 PM on France 2
Crime, Thriller | Duration: 1h44
Directed by Cédric Jimenez | Starring Gilles Lellouche, François Civil, Karim Leklou
Original title: Bac Nord
Country: France

BAC Nord

Airing during prime time on France 2, Bac Nord is part of the lineup of contemporary French dramas that resonate strongly with social themes, cementing its status as one of the standout crime films of French cinema in the 2020s.

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