*The Infallibles* is an explosive and unexpected crime-comedy which is masterfully and cleverly balanced between comedic elements, tensions, and social commentary which is placed on the lively background of Paris. Focusing on the unseemly alliance of Alia, fiery and impulsive, with Hugo, meticulous and reserved, the film addresses the issue of trust, cultural collision and the might of teamwork. Their relations with each other are complex, flowing between conflicts and friendship, and make an audience be absorbed in an interesting but controversial story. The fast flow of the movie and its caustic jokes make the story exciting whereas the underlying social message brings another dimension to the humorous plot.
Performances are powerful, and chemistry allows them to show an opposition between personalities. This way of direction gives life to each scene as it uses active camera work and colorful visual style that promotes Paris itself as a certain actor in the plot. The music fits the energy of this very well, but it never overtakes the comedy or emotion. The production design also creates an impression of the busy city streets and dark alleys, making the view more realistic and rich. Proper application of special effects ups the ante in any scene of action so as to create an equilibrium between the realistic and the exhilarated side.
The strongest point that struck me was the true essence of the movie: in the world of confusion and segregation, knowledge and common humanity can break any unlikely bonds and give rise to development. As fast paced as the movie is, there are some times when some of the emotional beats are not brought out properly, which is quite minimal in terms of making the movie weaker. The Infallibles made me laugh, cringe and hope, and despite all the fear, strife, and unrest surrounding them, they allowed locating a sense of hope in the transformative energy of empathy and cooperation.
