Carbone

Synopsis

Carbone (2017), directed by Olivier Marchal and starring Benoît Magimel, follows a tight-knit group of working-class men in northern France whose lives are reshaped when they become involved in a high-stakes fraud scheme. The film centers on a struggling business tied to transportation and delivery, and the opportunity that emerges when a savvy plan to exploit carbon credit trading surfaces. As the protagonists navigate temptation, loyalty and increasing risk, the story explores themes of desperation, camaraderie and moral compromise. Marchal frames the narrative with a gritty, urban atmosphere: scenes of small-town routines and cramped offices contrast with the widening scope of the scheme. Benoît Magimel anchors the film with a grounded, often tense performance, supported by a cast that brings authenticity to the milieu. Carbone blends elements of crime thriller and social drama, highlighting both the mechanics of the swindle and its human consequences without resorting to sensationalism. The pacing moves between procedural detail and character-driven moments, keeping focus on how economic pressure and personal bonds collide.

Cast

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  Benoît Magimel

  Antoine Roca

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  Laura Smet

  Noa Van Strecht

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  Gringe

  Simon Wizman

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  Idir Chender

  Éric Wizman

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  Michaël Youn

  Laurent Melki

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  Dani

  Dolly Wizman

Reviews

Carbone received mixed reviews from critics, who generally agreed on strong performances and atmosphere but were divided on narrative execution and tonal consistency. Many reviewers praised Benoît Magimel for a committed, gritty lead turn and noted that Olivier Marchal’s direction effectively conveys the movie’s blue-collar world and the claustrophobic feel of a small community drawn into a risky scheme. Several critics highlighted the film’s authentic production design and its attention to procedural detail, saying those elements lend credibility and tension to the plot.

However, criticism clustered around the screenplay and pacing. Some reviewers found the plotting uneven, arguing that the film’s momentum flags in the middle and that character motivations are not always fully developed, which undercuts emotional payoff for some viewers. Others felt Marchal’s stylistic flourishes and an emphasis on mood sometimes came at the expense of sharper storytelling, producing a film that is engaging in parts but uneven as a whole. Supporting performances received mixed notice: a number of critics welcomed the presence of veteran actors in the cast, while a few suggested certain roles could have been more fully sketched.

In terms of audience and aggregate ratings, the film holds an IMDb rating of 6.5/10. Critical aggregators reflect a divided response, with some outlets emphasizing the film’s solid central performance and social texture, and others pointing to structural weaknesses and tonal shifts. In short, Carbone is often recommended for viewers who appreciate character-driven crime dramas and strong lead work, but some viewers and critics looking for tighter plotting or a more consistently paced thriller may be left wanting.