Police Flash 80 is a crime comedy directed by Jean-Baptiste Saurel, from a script by Thomas Ngijol and Giulio Callegari. Led by François Damiens, Audrey Lamy, Xavier Lacaille, Thomas Ngijol, and Brahim Bouhlel, the film hits theaters on March 18, 2026. Set in 1984, this story toys with the conventions of classic detective stories and ensemble comedies, aligning with the current trend of nostalgic revisits to the 1980s in cinema.
The story follows Yvon Kastendeuch, a traditional police officer and dedicated Michel Sardou fan, who suddenly finds himself leading an elite unit: the Police Flash 80. Behind the flashy title is a quirky team made up of Guilaine, a busy mother with a keen mind and strategic skills; Marfoud, a tech enthusiast and Minitel expert; and Roberto, a mole with a bold mullet hairstyle. An unlikely team tasked with breaking up a drug ring amidst an urban landscape heavily influenced by the styles and excesses of the era.
Throughout the investigation, the focus shifts from a straightforward crime story to exploring the power of collective effort. Amid outdated techniques, nascent technological advances, and internal tensions, the film highlights the gap between the ambitious claims of this "elite unit" and the limited resources at their disposal. The humor springs from the clash of personalities and from recreating an ’80s-inspired universe, from the hairstyles and music references to the police procedures of the era.
Produced and starring notably by Thomas Ngijol, the feature film fits within a trend of French comedies that revisit specific periods to explore social and cultural contrasts. Setting the story in 1984 invites audiences into an era marked by the rise of the Minitel, popular TV and music culture, and a more raw, direct depiction of the police in cinema. The presence of familiar comedic talents like François Damiens and Audrey Lamy grounds the project in an approachable tone, while also playing with contrasts between generations and personality types.
The tone advocates for a fast-paced ensemble comedy, where the investigation drives the story without overshadowing the interactions among the characters. The retro setting, musical and wardrobe references, along with a colorful cast of supporting roles, place the film squarely in the tradition of parody crime capers and quirky buddy movies. The target audience includes fans of contemporary French comedies, as well as viewers who appreciate period recreations and cultural nods specific to the 1980s.
Police Flash 80
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: March 18, 2026
Comedy, Crime | Duration: -
Directed by Jean-Baptiste Saurel | Starring François Damiens, Audrey Lamy, Xavier Lacaille, Thomas Ngijol, Brahim Bouhlel
Original title: Police Flash 80
Country: France
Set in 1984, Police Flash 80 offers a fresh take on the unlikely police squad facing a criminal case, blending classic crime story elements with the humor of popular comedy. With its nostalgic throwback and team-oriented approach, the film examines the gap between institutional ambitions and the on-the-ground reality, all within a deliberately retro setting.
To extend your movie theater experience, check out the March cinema releases, the must-see films of today, and our top comedy picks of the year.
