Natural Enemy ( L'Ennemi naturel ) [DVD]

A young man's body is found on the beach, and whilst the local police are satisfied that his death was a tragic accident, a young inspector (Nicolas Luhel) who is assigned to the case feels differently. Rejected by the mother of the deceased as too young and naive, the young detective is determined to find out the truth, and doggedly pursues the case despite the lack of assistance he receives from his colleagues. This despite the suicide of his only witness.His primary suspect is the young man's father (Tanguy), who in his opinion lacks any social mores, and seems more interested in bedding every women he can as opposed to mourning his son. Whilst Tanguy's grief seems genuine, the young inspector is unsure as to whether that grief is as a consequence of his guilt for having murdered his son or as a result of any affection he may have had for him. Despite which, Nicholas finds himself mesmerized by the raw sensuality of Tanguy, and whilst not understanding his popularity and influence over the town people, he too becomes overwhelmed by that influence. He abandons his young wife and child, to somehow prove his worth as a man and a detective, only to descend into a confused state of sexuality and self-identity.Nicolas and his breakdown is not something which is easy to watch, and the audience could quite easily be disturbed by his antics. He looses all control, stalking Tanguy and watching his sexual antics almost as a jealous predator. Denying his own sexual anxiety, he confuses matters and interprets his obsession as a genuine investigation. But there is something else hidden in the life of Tanguy, and the story is not all what it seems.Well directed and written, with a powerful representation of depression and grief. Profoundly insightful in its exploration of sexuality and that which makes for desire, passion and dare I say 'lust'.Excellent to watch, and will have you thinking about its message for some time after the movie has ended.