"Chaos" is the ultimate in female-empowerment filmmaking.
One thing this French thriller does is make its male characters look as foolish and awful as possible. As an example, take the opening scene, which shows several men viciously beating a female streetwalker while another man idly watches in a car.
Aside from concerns about its one-sidedness, "Chaos" isn't as unappealing as it might seem. There's an odd, dark comic tone at work, in spite of some of its more disturbing material. And somehow, this seemingly contradictory film works.
At least part of that can be attributed to the solid cast, which includes veteran French actress Catherine Frot, who stars as Helene, a middle-aged mother. Helene has been married to the insensitive Paul (Vincent Lindon) for quite some time, but her patience is about to come to an end. Both witnessed the aforementioned attack, but only Helene has chosen to do something about it.
While the unfortunate victim, Noemie (Rachida Brakni), lies comatose in the hospital, Helene tries to help with her recovery, and she also tries to help with the investigation.
Unfortunately, those responsible for the attack are still looking for Noemie. And they're willing to take on anyone who gets in their way.
Filmmaker Coline Serreau treats the material with a lighter touch than you might expect. And for a film that's under two hours, it's crammed with characters and subplots (one involves Paul and Helene's college-age son, played by Aurelien Wiik, and his romantic foibles).
But most of the film is devoted to the central character, and thanks to Frot, she's a most likable heroine, one who'll go to any lengths to see that justice is done and that everyone gets what they deserve.
Newcomer Brakni also impresses, first by making a convincing coma patient, and then by nearly taking over the film in the final third, as Noemie's story takes center stage.
"Chaos" is not rated but would probably receive an R for violence (beatings and gunplay, including violence against women), scattered use of strong sexual profanity, simulated drug use (heroin, injected intravenously), simulated sex, a scene of rape (overheard) and vulgarity. Running time: 108 minutes.
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