Cop au Vin (Poulet au vinaigre)

An eccentric detective is called to a small town to investigate after a property scheme leads to deaths and disappearances, in Chabrol’s crime drama.

In a small town, the hidden meanness of provincial life is exposed after an attempt by a corrupt syndicate of property developers to force a disabled woman and her son from their home. When one of the partners dies in suspicious circumstances, Inspector Jean Lavardin is sent to investigate. Thanks to his unorthodox methods, he soon uncovers a web of deception, corruption, and dark family secrets.

With a wonderfully zany performance from Jean Poiret as the all-in-one good cop/bad cop detective at its centre, the film went on to spawn a sequel named after the character. Its combination of suspense and black comedy delivers Chabrol’s signature blend of biting social commentary, moral ambiguity and intrigue.