Original subtitles

-[techno music] -[man 1] Where are you?

-They brought up Dritan, it's start… -[man 2] Hold on, can't hear. Fuck.

-When you getting here? Hello? -Yeah?

-Get your arse over here now! -No, no! You don't get it!

Listen, bro, you're not making sense. You must be confused.

-The fact I never got the stuff from you… -Now you're not making sense.

-No! [laughs] I didn't get anything. -I know you got it.

You can think whatever you want. I'm not joking…

-Lorik told me you got the dough. -Well, no!

You really think we're that stupid?

-Trust me, I'd know if I got it. -He told me.

Come here now! Dritan fucking needs you!

Wait, I lost you there. You're breaking up. Sorry, man!

Wait, there. Wow, what a royal pain in the arse! [sniffling]

[techno music continues]

-There you are! How are you? See you! -How you doing?

-[man] See ya! -Yeah, see ya, bye.

[groans]

[music fades]

Oh, my God.

[man] God help the unsuspecting American who walks into a Parisian café in Spring.

Hey, get me a vodka, please.

[breathing heavily]

[sniffling]

Pardon me. Much appreciated.

[breathing heavily]

[siren blaring]

[sighs]

[sniffling]

Bang. There, alright. See you later. Ciao!

[barman] OK, take it easy.

[horn honks]

[suspenseful music playing]

-Sir, everyone's been waiting. -Relax. Nothing happens there without me.

Here're the photos of the kids and proof of residence you asked for.

Here!

The money.

-It's all there. -[sniffles] Alright. Which one is it?

-Room F, there! -Go, I need a minute.

-You're coming? -Yes.

Hey, how are ya?

-Morning, Annette. -Good morning, sir!

-You bringing me back my robe? -The opposite, I need another.

You're pushing it. You'll get me in trouble.

Not if you hire me as your attorney. I'll keep you out of hot water.

-[sniffles] -Here you go.

-Thanks a lot. -[Annette] Wait, hey, the deposit!

You have my coat.

[judge] On that date at Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport,

authorities discovered no less than 27.3 kilograms of a whitish substance

which was later identified as high-quality cocaine.

The cocaine was stored in two metal-wheeled suitcases,

where it was concealed beneath a thin layer of Colombian coffee beans.

Sorry, are we disturbing you?

Uh, no, no, Your Honour.

I'm representing Mr…

Mr Alvaro Montoya.

Right, well, I'll proceed.

Your client is before the court today to be prosecuted

for importing 27.3 kilograms of cocaine…

If I may, Your Honour, about my client's phone.

I'd like to point out a serious error in procedure

that gravely infringes upon, uh… the rights of the defence…

Counsellor, you can't bring up an objection whenever you're in the mood.

Of course not, but in violation of Criminal Procedures Code 63-4-2,

my client's phone was examined in my absence.

The evidence obtained from it should be considered null and void.

Thank you. If I may, Your Honour.

In my view, examining a phone is not the same as an interrogation.

That's true, but if you look at the final lines of the report,

my client clearly maintains his innocence,

which shows he was referring to the case.

That makes it an interrogation, which means I should've been present.

Read that.

[suspenseful music continues]

Counsellor, I hereby grant your request.

The phone report will be judged inadmissible in this trial.

Thank you, Your Honour.

[judge] Very well. Now that Mr Landry has graced us with his presence

and we've dispensed with his spectacular and long-winded interruption,

I will resume my account of the facts in this case.

Your client, one Mr Montoya, is being prosecuted for…

One moment, Your Honour.

Without a valid reason for a recess, the hearing will continue, sir…

[Landry] Absolutely, Your Honour.

[snorting]

[man 1] Hey!

Come on, you done?

[breathing heavily]

[sniffling]

Where you going?

-[breathes heavily] -Why're you here?

Why're you here? Huh? You know my cousin's waiting for his hearing.

No, I'm not gonna help your cousin.

Remember, I told you on the phone you never gave me the money.

Shut the fuck up, arsehole! You're gonna go defend him right now!

You have to pay before the hearing.

Wanna get paid?

Here.

Here's your pay.

Is that what you want? Look.

-You brought that here? Are you nuts? -Listen to me.

You're going to help Dritan with his case right now, understand?

You understand?

-Do you understand? -OK, OK, OK.

Yeah? Defend him or I'll smash your fucking face in.

We got company.

[breathes heavily]

Don't move.

[man 2] We're good.

-[sniffles] -[man 1] You understand?

[breathing heavily]

You're his lawyer.

-Go on then, I'll see you in court. -Goddamn right.

[door closes]

[snorting]

[sniffles]

[snorts and grunts]

-Sir, what's going on? What're you doing? -Give me two minutes.

Alvaro's alone in there, they'll try him without you.

Jesus, I'm talking to you!

[judge 2] To review the evidence before us,

in a parking garage that you own, four kilos of…

We didn't hear from you, so we proceeded without you, Counsellor.

-[Landry] No problem, Your Honour. -So, on the night of February 9, 2024,

Mr Dritan or Dreet… Drite…

how do you pronounce your name, sir?

Dritan.

[judge 2] Dritan.

Mr Dritan Berisha, that evening you committed the follow…

Excuse me. Your Honour, I'm sorry, but you…

you just said, "you committed," correct? "You committed."

Is that what you wrote, Madam Clerk? "You committed," you said.

Let me finish, please.

But Your Honour, if you'd said "allegedly committed,"

I wouldn't have interrupted you, but you just said "committed."

Does that mean, in your mind, Mr Dritan Berisha is already guilty?

[sniffles] That my client might as well be silent?

That my client doesn't deserve a trial?

Do you expect us to be party to a mockery of justice?

[judge] Counsellor, for God's sake, let's be serious. Sir, are you with us?

-Please look at me. -Yes?

May we proceed?

Proceed? I'm happy to proceed, ma'am. I am, but let me remind you,

the presumption of innocence is an absolutely fundamental legal right, ma'am.

The presumption of innocence is the most elementary precept of the law.

I therefore ask you to recuse yourself and postpone these proceedings. [sniffles]

[suspenseful music continues]

[judge] Sir, look at me, look at me, please.

Your request is denied.

Fine, then I withdraw from the trial.

I refuse to play the clown in this absurd comedy!

[suspenseful music continues]

-It's OK, don't worry. -Sure.

[judge 1] Mr Montoya,

if I'm not mistaken, I think I can see tattoos on your neck and throat.

Can you tell us what exactly they represent

and assure us that they have no connection to Colombian drug cartels?

[sighs] Sorry, pardon me, Your Honour, but that's quite a question.

This isn't a plot from a television show, this is reality. [sniffles]

You don't have permission to interrupt, Mr Landry.

Answer the question, please, Mr Montoya.

The only tattoo I have is the name of my abuela.

See, sir? Su abela, his grandmother.

Pardon me, Your Honour, but your approach here's all wrong.

If you convict this young man, it'll be a miscarriage of justice

because you've painted him as a cartel supervillain

straight out of your imagination, when he's simply a mule

who was thrown to the wolves by a gang of drug traffickers

who never considered that he's a human being.

You're trying to make him culpable,

but this man's the victim of a criminal conspiracy. [sniffles]

I have to go for two minutes. Hang on, don't worry.

[judge 1] Counsellor, if you leave, you'll be permanently removed from the case.

[Landry] I'll be right back.

[judge 2] Ah, Mr Landry's back. Great.

Have you come to your senses, Counsellor? Will you let me proceed now?

Mr Berisha, is this your attorney? Are we sure about that?

Yes, we are. I know what I'm doing, ma'am. So… Mr Berisha here's my client.

Mr Berisha, who you accuse today of smuggling a full four kilos of cocaine

in his storage unit. [sniffles]

No. Uh, four kilos of…

-[judge 2] Cocaine. -What?

-[judge 2] Cocaine. -Right, uh… no, 2.5 kilos.

Four kilos. Please, go on.

[blowing nose]

Mr Alvaro… Mr Berisha.

-[judge 2] Alvaro or Berisha? Slow down. -Mr Alvaro.

-No, that's… -Mr Berisha.

You meant Mr Berisha, I think. You seem a little confused.

-[laboured breathing] -[music turns sad]

-Mr… Mr Berisha, yes, who recused… the… -[judge 2] What?

[echoing] The twist… he was twisting the pepper grinder.

I'm not following.

Where were you going with that? What did you say? What was your point?

Nobody else's talking to you now, Counsellor.

Alright? Continue please.

And try to be a little more coherent, if you would.

Counsellor?

Mr Landry?

Is something wrong?

-[gasps] -[judge 2] Call emergency services!

The hearing is suspended.

[laboured breathing]

["Everybody Hurts" by R.E.M. playing]

THE GOOD LAWYER

♪ When your day is long ♪

♪ And the night ♪

♪ The night is yours alone ♪

♪ When you're sure you've had enough ♪

♪ Of this life ♪

-[cheering] - ♪ Well, hang on ♪

♪ Don't let yourself go ♪

♪ 'Cause everybody cries ♪

♪ Everybody hurts ♪

♪ Sometimes… ♪

-[woman 1] Tell them about your dream. -[woman 2] Not much to tell.

It was just a dream, you know?

I was getting high, and the worst part was it felt great.

I have dreams like that all the time. Seriously. It's constant. So what?

-Does that mean we're not cured? -No, that's completely normal.

That's just the process. Léonard, grab a chair and sit down.

It's fine, I don't wanna…

Just need you to sign my certificate of stay, if you could.

-Well, can it wait a little bit? -I dunno, I've been here for three weeks.

I'm sorry, I know we all have problems.

But you said after three weeks, I'd be clean.

Yeah, so… so I'm supposed to be done, plus I have a lot of work to take care of.

-Can we move on? -Yes. Physically, you're clean.

That's important. That's step one.

But the real work begins when you walk out the door.

So coming to these meetings really matters for everybody.

It's part of treatment. It gets tough outside.

OK. I'll be careful.

You haven't come to a single meeting here.

I don't do well in groups. I…

I can be quite shy.

Gonna sign this for me?

We'll talk about it later, OK? We're in the middle of a session.

Who's next? Maybe Julie?

[sombre music playing]

[woman on phone] By right now you mean this month?

Well, by right now I meant more like right now, as in today.

Are you available?

Uh, yes. Yes, of course.

OK, great. I'll send you an address and you can come pick me up.

Pick you up how?

What do you mean, how? You can drive, right? It says on your resume.

Well, yeah, I have a licence, but I don't have a car. Sorry.

-[man] Hello? -Yes, Henry Noé?

Uh, Noé Henry, I'm sorry, this is Mr Landry speaking.

Are you still looking to intern for an attorney?

-Mr Landry? -Correct.

I sent you my resume three months ago.

Yeah, well, I'm calling you now. So Mr Henry, are you available?

Yes, of course. I just have to sort a few things out.

OK, that's perfect. What kinda car do you have?

A Golf.

OK, wonderful.

I'll send you an address and you can come pick me up, OK?

Could you grab some crocodiles for me?

Uh… crocodiles?

Yeah, they're like gummy worms. Appreciate it. See you soon.

MONDAY

Morning.

Hello. Léonard Landry, nice to meet you.

Noé Henry, likewise.

How old are you, Noé Henry?

Thirty-one, sir.

You're a bit old for an intern.

I put it on my resume.

Oh, right, I might've missed it. Is your car 31, too?

[chuckles]

Are you sure about the earring?

-Should I take it off? -No, it's fine.

Oh, right. I got the sour ones and the regular, I wasn't sure.

That's very kind. These're for you.

Let's go, come on.

Where to, sir?

Créteil. Main Courthouse.

Got a big case?

No. I have a meeting with Judge Lemonnier.

Thank you.

[intriguing music playing]

[Landry] Annette?

-No, not again. -Wait, this time, I have a guarantor.

-Hello there. -Hello.

No, Léonard.

C'mon, he's a good boy. Remember to bring the robe back to Annette.

[Noé] Mm.

Wait right here.

Hello, Your Honour, good morning.

-[Lemonnier] Hello. -Am I interrupting?

Yes, but tell me what you want.

Why are you wearing a robe?

I was pleading a few other cases here and someone said you were in your office.

Thought I'd come and see you about our recent case.

Uh, what case?

[sighs]

My case, Your Honour.

Ah.

Of course, the Landry case.

So,

I assume you're referring to the case in which you've been credibly accused

of soliciting, transferring, possessing, transporting and consuming narcotics

in Créteil, specifically a Schedule 2 controlled substance. Namely, cocaine.

That case, right?

Correct, that case.

Right, well, you should know I don't talk to people I'm going to judge.

Of course, I'm aware, ma'am,

but considering how long I've worked with you…

Mr Landry, you don't work with me.

Alright, I'd appreciate it if you would accept another document

for my case, Your Honour.

It's a signed certificate of a three-week stay in rehab.

The doctors were very pleased with my progress.

I'd be happy to provide blood and urine tests at the hearing

in an effort to prove that this is all in the past.

And I feel it's important that I tell you personally, Your Honour,

that I'm going to use the treatment as a chance to start over,

and that includes my clientele.

Please give your document to the clerk. See you Monday at the hearing. Thank you.

…constitutes a total…

I believe I could make you recuse yourself.

Pardon?

-[door closes] -Well, think about it.

You saw me that day, right?

I saw you quite clearly, Mr Landry.

Well, then.

Isn't it a problem to be a judge and a witness?

I'm only a witness to your downfall, Counsellor.

Do you see the difference?

-Oh, sure, I'm following you. -Good.

But you know, in my view, uh, it merits a discussion.

-Ah. -So, OK, I'll speak to my lawyer.

-Your lawyer? -Yes, my lawyer.

She's my colleague and President of the Bar, Iris Saint-Didier.

Miss Saint-Didier told me she has no plans to argue in your defence.

That's impossible. I'm sorry, she wouldn't do that to me. Just let me call her.

-We'll clear this thing up in no time. -Great.

-You've reached Iris Saint-Didier… -Come on. Bet she's on a call.

-She'll get back to me soon. -I've got work to do.

Mr Landry.

Goodbye.

[dramatic music playing]

[sighs]

[sighs]

Has your friend at Algarade been there long?

[Landry] She's a partner.

President of the Bar.

It's Iris Saint-Didier?

You know her?

No, not really, but I sent her my resume two years ago. Never heard back.

Well, back when I was an intern,

I didn't give a fuck who the President was.

[Noé] She's basically the boss of every lawyer out there.

Iris!

-[Iris] Goddammit. -Hey.

-Aren't you happy to see me? -Oh, yeah, just tickled pink.

You can't give up on me now.

I've heard that before.

Look, I'm clean now. I got out this morning.

I'm gonna need you.

I'm busy with the Varenne hearings already. What can I say?

Hey, don't give me that crap. My trial will take ten minutes.

Your reputation's been in tatters a long time, and not just with me.

I'm telling you I'm clean. I'm gonna fire all my clients.

No more drugs, I'm done.

Lemonnier will disbar me if you're not on the case.

Why the fuck were you in her office?

-Who said I was? -Who do you think?

The moment you left this morning, she called.

Think I don't know why you want me to defend you?

Because I'm not an idiot. You're President of the Bar.

-It doesn't matter. She'll crucify you. -Presumption of innocence, right?

When I was defending hotel maids, nobody would've treated me like this.

Ten years on it's the same story. Excuse me.

I'm still a lawyer, right?

How's your daughter?

-[sighs] -How old is she now? Three?

-[sighs] Five. -Five? Damn.

I thought about us a lot when I was in rehab, Iris.

You're a prick, Léonard.

[dramatic music builds]

VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE AUTHORISATION ART. 115

You gonna be long?

What kinda question is that?

-How're you? -[guard] Hello, sir.

-It's been a while. -Yeah.

Any new arrivals I should…?

No, actually, I'm just here visiting an old client.

-I'm here if you change your mind. -OK, appreciate it.

-Oh, hi, Dritan. -What the fuck are you doing here?

-Thought you were dead. -No. Relax, hey.

Dritan, I need to speak to you for a second. You…

[Dritan] Hey guard!

-This bastard is not my lawyer! -Gimme one second.

You'll never hear from me ever again, but you'll wanna listen to this.

It's about your case.

[scoffs] Think I'm gonna believe a junkie fuckstick?

Just sit down for a second, I'll explain.

All month I've been working on this. There's an error in their procedure.

Mr Berisha, this could get you out.

And it's all yours. I'm giving it you. To your new lawyer.

-Making up for last time. -[knocking]

-[guard] You OK, Mr Berisha? -Tell him it's OK.

OK.

So, look, all I'm asking for is a measly favour.

Have one of your men show up and testify at my trial next Monday.

One of the guys who was in court with your cousin.

They just have to say they saw me getting harassed and beaten up

by two guys between sessions,

and the dudes shoved something in my pocket, that's it.

You want me to rat out my family?

I wouldn't put you in that position. Are you crazy? No.

They just have to say they saw me get roughed up

by two strangers in the restroom and… we're good.

You've got a lot of nerve asking me for a favour.

Well, c'mon Dritan, throwing coke in my face just before your hearing….

that…

wasn't smart of you.

Listen to me, you junkie son of a bitch,

if you don't want your fucking head to be smashed open,

you'll walk away.

[knocking]

[man] Hey, Landry! Landry!

You're back and you didn't tell me?

-How are you, Caleb? -Wait. Two seconds, OK? Come here.

-[guard] Sir, are you coming? -Yeah, hang on.

Good to see you. Looking handsome as ever.

-Gonna work some magic for us, bro? -I'm not sure.

-No, "I'm not sure" doesn't cut it. -OK.

Who's the client here?

-Well, you are. -Exactly. And the client is what?

The client is what?

-Always right. -[guard] Everything OK?

-[Landry] I'm fine. -We're good.

Go to the clerk's office, you're going to find my appeal statement.

-It's impossible, I told you. -I'll send Suleiman after you.

Go ahead, I'll tell him what I told you. Appeals are electronic now, man.

-Those days are over. See ya. -Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hey!

-Get me some Scurl! -What?

Scurl, for my roots!

-Right. -And talk to my little bro Firmin.

-He's in trouble back home! -I work miracles, but not in Africa.

He'll call you up, just answer the phone! Landry!

-Hey, he'll call you. Just pick up! -Come on, Caleb. Stop.

-[Landry] Hi, buddy, how're you? -[man] Not bad, you?

I'm just dandy.

Hey, man, so, what're you doing next Monday?

-Next Monday? I'm not sure. -Great, I have a case for you.

-Oh, yeah? Whose case? -Oh, mine.

-[chuckling] Where is it? -In Créteil.

-I dunno, Lemonnier's tricky. -C'mon, you kidding? She loves you.

I wouldn't say she "loves" me. Not since the Romano case, anyway.

-OK. -But I can find you someone.

No big deal. No, forget it, I'll be fine. I mean it, it's OK. All good.

What a moron.

-[sighs] -[phone ringing]

What the…

Plus 243, what's that?

Probably a scam.

Oh, it's Caleb's brother.

Man, these guys're annoying.

Pick up and get rid of him for me, say whatever you want.

-But we've never spoken before. -That makes two of us.

Uh, hello, my name's Firmin Draza,

Caleb Draza's brother. Are you Mr Landry?

Uh, well, I'm not, no, but uh…

Mr Landry happens to be busy at the moment, but I'll take a message.

Well, the court's trying to call me as a witness

for an upcoming trial in Kolwezi.

-Alright. -We don't work…

-How can we be of service? -Don't care. Don't operate in Africa.

Upon further reflection, I'm afraid Mr Landry doesn't practise in Africa.

I thought Caleb said this guy was good. Waste of time.

-[man 2] Hang on, relax. -We're wasting our time.

[man 2] Give me a second here.

-Sir, Caleb said you could help us. -No, I'm sorry, sir.

-He must've misunderstood. -[Firmin] Stop.

An NGO's trying to use my son to go after a company in France.

But he doesn't want to be involved in this.

Ask which company.

Ah, which company is that, sir?

The company Firmin worked for, Varenne.

Varenne?

Hi, how are you, sir? I'm Mr Landry.

-Pardon me, I was busy. -Oh, hi.

I have an assistant who's a bit overzealous.

Do you mind putting your son back on the phone, please?

-OK. -Thank you.

Hello, Firmin. It's Mr Landry.

When you say Varenne,

you mean the energy corporation in France? You worked for them, correct?

I worked the counter and the pump at a gas station,

right by their new lithium mine.

And the NGO wants you to say what?

Varenne's complicit with terrorists, is that it?

I'm not involved with that stuff. I didn't do anything, I swear.

It's OK, we won't push you to say anything untrue. Alright?

I'm just here to help you. It's all about trust.

You said you don't work in Africa?

Look, Firmin, I work everywhere, don't worry.

I've spent 20 years as an attorney.

And from now on, I'm gonna be your attorney.

Don't speak to anybody except me.

-Is that clear? -Yeah, clear.

And Firmin, don't move a muscle till I call you back. Hmm?

I'm grateful for your trust.

Uh, go back to Algarade.

[dramatic music playing]

[receptionist] Um, sir?

-Excuse me. -"Counsel."

-Where are you going? -To an appointment.

[lift] Going up.

Please excuse my interruption.

Hello, everyone.

-You have a minute? -What's wrong with you?

-We're obviously in a meeting, Léonard. -I know, that's why I'm here.

[Iris] I'm sorry.

What do you want?

-I just found Firmin Draza. -[man] Found who?

Apologies.

What the hell?

That's the CEO of Varenne.

Of course, I'm well aware. He should be very interested in Firmin Draza.

Know your own case?

-How about I ask the clique? -How do you know?

-None of your business. -What do you want?

The NGO's been pressuring Firmin to expose Varenne in Africa.

-So what? -So I'm Firmin's lawyer.

So I have his trust.

If things go to plan, he'll do what I say, and that could be perfect for your client.

-[security] You need help? -No, we're fine.

Basically, I get Firmin to help with your case, then you help with mine.

After, I swear I'll disappear.

That's a tempting proposition you're making.

Do me a favour.

Stay in your place.

[door opens]

[door closes]

[sombre music playing]

-[Noé] What's the plan, sir? -Uh, just take me home, please.

10 rue Jean Goujon.

Isn't that your office address?

Yeah, well, it's also my home address.

[laughter in the background]

[sombre music continues]

Tomorrow, 8 am sharp. Mm?

-Be on time. -No.

[clears throat]

What do you mean?

Sorry, but I'm quitting as of now. I'm not coming tomorrow.

-What's the problem? -No problem.

It's just that, y'know, I'm not a driver.

And I don't mind driving you here and there, but like,

this isn't exactly the internship I was looking for.

OK, so what's the goal? Where do you dream of interning?

-I don't know. -You should have some idea, probably.

Especially at your age.

-I know where I don't wanna be. -Oh, really? Tell me, I'm interested.

Go on, I'm waiting.

You still a lawyer?

See this? What's this look like? It's a robe, you idiot.

This was not a normal day.

I might not be a lawyer yet, OK,

but you should know, I'm not stupid, Mr Landry.

What do you think?

Nobody knows? Everyone knows.

-There're posts on every site. -Hmm.

-Everybody at school talks about it. -Well, I didn't force you to come.

Well, yeah, that's for sure.

Because big firms weren't exactly pounding down my door.

Nobody responds to my phone calls.

I can't waste time driving you around.

OK, whatever. Well, nice knowing you, Noé. Goodnight. Drive safe.

Goodbye.

[Landry sighs]

[intriguing music playing]

Oh, come on.

Dammit, I think I lost my keys. They were in my coat.

You missing your keys?

[Landry] Yeah.

Oh, fuck me.

[sighs]

Could I sleep at yours tonight?

Do you wanna stay at…

It wouldn't um… bother me, it's just my…

-I still live with my parents… -OK, I see.

-If I could… -No, it's OK, forget it.

-Sorry. -No, no problem.

[door closes]

Wait!

They're on vacation.

I'm sorry?

My parents, they're on vacation.

Here we are. Uh…

I’ll let you get settled. I’ll be right back.

You grow up here and everything?

[Noé] Yeah, lived here my whole life.

My parents run the dry cleaners downstairs.

That's funny, because I was raised right above my mum's café.

Guess we have two things in common.

What's the second one?

We picked the same profession.

Uh, you can have the couch. I'll leave this here for you.

Um…

sleep well.

Good night.

[door closes]

[poignant music playing]

[reporter] The Varenne Group is one of France's industrial giants.

Much of their infrastructure is located in eastern Congo,

and is used to extract lithium from large-scale mines

around the city of Kolwezi.

In 2021, the region became particularly unstable.

And it was at this time, according to the Horizon 360 NGO report,

that Varenne allegedly made a secret deal

with one of the many armed groups in the region.

In exchange for their protection, Varenne allegedly supported this group

of rebels with arms and financial contributions.

According to the NGO, the rebels are responsible for several mass atrocities,

notably in the village of Ekoto, which they allegedly reached

after refuelling their pick-up trucks at Varenne gas pumps.

The NGO is now taking legal action against

the president of the Varenne Group, Anne Lamarck.

Attorneys for the NGO say she will be charged with complicity in war crimes.

[Noé] Sorry, am I bothering you?

Have you ever been drunk?

Yep.

Bet you take an aspirin, sleep a little, then it's over.

If I drink this glass,

I won't be able to stop.

I'll be on the phone with my dealer and won't sleep for 48 hours.

Vodka with pepper.

Three twists of the mill, that was my favourite drink.

If I drink this,

in six months, I'm gone.

[sombre music playing]

[sighs]

TUESDAY

[Landry] Good morning.

Morning.

Hope you don't mind seeing your boss in his underwear.

Well, your former boss.

-Want a coffee? -That'd be great. Thanks.

-Short or long? -Uh, long.

Please.

Here, this is for the bottles I tossed last night. Sorry.

Thanks, that's nice of you.

I saw that you reposted your internship application.

Well, you're in luck because your resume caught my attention.

I'm told you have a car.

Yeah. A Golf.

-Oh, I'm not big on Golfs. -Comes with Crocodiles.

In that case, I'll make an exception and take you on. You're hired.

On one condition…

that you help me stay a lawyer.

Hello, everyone.

We're coming to you live on the first day of Anne Lamarck's trial…

[phone dialling]

[Noé] Alright, I'm coming now to the lobby.

[tense music playing]

So, is she here?

[sighs] No.

Oh, I see you.

OK, go in to your left. That's the large court.

[Noé] Uh…

No, not here.

-You sure? -Yeah, she's not here.

[reporters] Excuse me, Miss Lamarck?

Wait, something's happening outside. Get out. Hurry.

On your right, on your right.

[reporter] Miss Lamarck one question, please!

OK, I see her now. What's next? What do I do?

-Is she with Iris? -Yeah.

OK, so, just block Iris' view. She can't know I'm here yet.

-OK. -[reporter] Ma'am, please!

-What do I tell her? -Whatever you want, but slow her down.

OK, great, I'm on it.

Miss Lamarck. Excuse me.

Hello, Miss Lamarck. I'm Mr Landry.

Funnily enough, I'm the lawyer of an ex-employee of yours in Congo.

He had disappeared until recently.

Are you sure this is the best time to talk about this?

Yes, because his testimony could be important to your case.

Then speak to my lawyers.

Miss Saint-Didier never told you about it? I'm surprised.

[tense music continues]

-Why're you here? -I'm still a lawyer, right?

The wheels are in motion, Noé.

Let's get to work, my friend.

[music fades]

[Landry] Call me when it's done.

Thanks, Noé.

[dramatic music playing]

Hello Firmin, it's Mr Landry. Good morning.

Alright, so, I personally spoke to Miss Anne Lamarck.

We'll find a solution that works for everybody, especially you.

Sound good?

Call any time, alright?

I'll be available whenever you need me.

[phone ringing]

-Did you find it? -[Noé] There's nothing here.

Not seeing anything.

Oh.

-Think I found it. -OK, great, thank you.

[dramatic music intensifies]

It should be completely clean.

OK.

Let's go to my office. It'll be easier that way.

Follow me.

Alright, have a seat. And pull together some research on the Varenne case.

OK? Jeune Afrique, RFI, Le Monde diplomatique, Twitter.

Whatever you can find.

OK.

KOLWEZI UNDER TENSION: VIOLENCE STRIKES

ARMED VIOLENCE NEAR KOLWEZI: A VILLAGE PLUNGED INTO CHAOS

[phone ringing]

[continues ringing]

-Yup? -[Iris] You crazy son of a bitch.

I just got out of the hearing. Lamarck is completely freaking out.

She says she saw a lawyer who hassled her about a miracle witness.

And now she's all over me about it. Seriously, who does that? Léo? Hello?

Well, hello there.

Yeah, I warned you, Iris. You need me as much as I need you.

Alright, we're all going to Varenne Tower. Meet us there.

Come on, let's get going.

[suspenseful music playing]

-[receptionist] Afternoon. -Hello. Mr Landry.

I have a meeting with Anne Lamarck.

Just a second, please.

[telephone dialling]

[receptionist] Mr Landry and his associate are here.

You're welcome to take a seat, we'll get you.

Thank you.

Oh, if Firmin calls, step out of the meeting and pick up. Reassure him.

Let him know I’m in a meeting, but say I'm working hard on his behalf.

[Noé] OK.

[suspenseful music builds]

[Lamarck] Ah, my saviour has arrived.

Mr Léandry.

Landry.

Why don't I fill you in on my present situation?

As I'm sure you know, I have the best lawyers in the world.

They told me things would go smoothly if the judge heard me testify as a witness.

I'm being charged with a crime I know absolutely nothing about

and can't explain.

All that for the modest sum of, uh… how much, Lambert?

What's our tab with our friends at Algarade?

About 400,000, Madam Chairwoman.

Your job sounds incredible.

What do you propose, then?

Miss Lamarck,

I believe you should start from zero and reorient your defence strategy.

[Iris inhales]

You've got our attention.

Uh, so, there's a witness I know personally.

His name is Firmin Draza.

He was an employee at the gas station, but he saw all of it.

But the NGO wants him to testify against you.

His decision could tip the balance of the entire lawsuit.

What'd he see in the Congo?

According…

to Firmin Draza, he claims,

he mentioned this earlier…

when we spoke on the phone,

that the terrorists were very threatening.

They were… they were clearly endangering the employees.

He said the staff was terrified of these thugs and had no choice but to cooperate.

So, what I recommend is that you immediately request

the suspension of your current indictment in France,

and petition to be summoned by the judge

in the African trial, which will be ending in two days.

OK, what's your opinion?

Well, if the testimony of Firmin Draza is favourable,

it could change the course of the trial there,

and exonerate you back here, that's correct.

[lawyer] Can we have the witness contact info?

-No, he only wants to talk to me. -Of course.

Let me remind you, you fired him.

Where is he?

In Kolwezi.

Perfect, time to get to work.

Alright, what do you want?

[Landry] To officially join the defence team.

Ten percent of the primary fee you're charging for the case,

plus a nice big expense budget for my intern. The guy loves silk suits.

And last but not least, Iris, I'd like you to defend me at my trial.

-[Iris] You proud of yourself? -[Landry] Why would I be proud?

-Because I know you. -[suspenseful music plays]

-[Landry] You have time for a coffee? -I don't.

Do you have time for dinner tonight?

No, and I have to make sure my boyfriend doesn't know I'm defending you.

See you around.

I'll let you contact Lemonnier, help me take her temperature.

Did he call?

[phone dialling]

-Hello? -Morning, Firmin. It's Mr Landry.

I'm not harassing you, I swear. [laughs] I have some great news for you.

-Your testimony… -I changed my mind.

-I don't want to testify anymore. -What do you mean? Why?

Because you work for Varenne.

No, no, hang on.

No, no, I don't work for Varenne, I work for you, uh, via Varenne.

Listen, I don't want anything to do with them.

I know the way they treated you was horrible,

but your testimony can change things.

We're gonna ask for compensation. Now's the time to make them pay up.

I've already made up my mind, Mr Landry.

Firmin, we'll be able to negotiate an incredible deal. How's that sound?

You will be handsomely rewarded for your loyalty to the company, trust me.

That's not the point, though.

Firmin, you have the chance to be able to protect your family forever.

My mind's made up. I appreciate everything you've done for me.

No, no, no, no. Hang on, Firmin, just wait.

Bastard!

[intriguing music playing]

Morning, sir.

Hello. Morning.

Hello.

[Landry] Here you go.

Open that for me, if you don't mind.

-[Noé] Sure. -What's that?

Just some gel.

-May I? -Yeah.

All good?

[door opens]

Who's this guy?

He's my intern.

He has a gift for you.

Noé.

[sniffing]

So, what you want?

-[Landry] What do you mean? -Just helping out with the braids?

Look, I talked to your brother on the phone.

I can help him, and get him outta the shit he's in.

But now he claims he's changing his mind.

And I told him I could get a hefty sum from his former employer.

So could you please talk to him?

Yeah.

-What'll you do for me, in exchange? -What I… do for you? [chuckles]

We're talking about an enormous chunk of cash.

-Right. -The whole family will benefit.

Sure. I'm asking about what you can do for me, not my brother.

Yeah, but there're things I used to do for you that…

are off limits now, outta bounds. 'Cause I have…

I have problems. OK?

And uh… not by, uh… it's not by choice. It's just I can't do that anymore.

Hey. Caleb, hang on. Just a sec. Stop, stop. Come on. Please, man.

What do you want? Tell me.

[sighs]

A guy got arrested, eighteenth precinct.

One of your guys?

They got him locked up right now. Tanush Gashi. The fuck're you doing?

Taking notes. It's just a part of the internship, y'know?

Stop writing everything down, will you? It's driving me up the wall.

Your nose shouldn't be stuck in that notebook. Look around you.

That's how you learn.

So, Tanush Gashi, is he one of your guys?

He works for Dritan Berisha.

[scoffs] Berisha?

-Yeah. -[chuckles] You want me dead, or what?

Your decision.

[sighs]

[sighs]

Tanush Gashi?

What kind of a name is that?

-Write it down, I won't remember it. -You mind?

We being watched?

[sighs] No, you're good.

[Caleb] Get ahold of his phone. I want his client list.

And call me at this number.

Are you out of your mind? By now, it's gotta be sealed. That's impossible.

Not my problem, sorry.

Make it happen.

Get the phone, I'll talk to my brother.

-[suspenseful music playing] -[Landry] Yes, Gashi. Tanush Gashi.

I'm his lawyer.

[man] I'm sorry, sir, he already asked for a public defender.

No, tell him no. He'll be showing up for nothing.

Can you please call the public defender and let him know he can stay home tonight?

-[phone beeping] -OK, I'll pass it on.

I appreciate it, thanks. On my way.

-Yes? -Mr Landry, Anne Lamarck.

Hello.

We need to talk.

I can hear you.

No, no. Not on the phone.

Laurent's, 7 pm.

At Laurent's, OK.

See you soon.

Who's Laurent?

It's not a person. It's a restaurant.

Oh. So we're not going to the precinct first?

You sure?

Tanush will be held for 48 hours. He's not going anywhere.

I'm gonna need your help.

OK.

[suspenseful music builds]

-Good evening. -Thank you.

["La Traviata: Addio del passato" by Verdi playing]

-What do we do? Sit down? -No, we stay standing, keep quiet.

Go ahead please, sit down.

[door closes]

I've been downstairs before, but I've never eaten in the small dining room.

It's gorgeous.

Do you know what I call this kind of dinner?

The high-security banquet.

Nobody asked for a password when we arrived.

Well, that's not really what I'm getting at.

What we discuss in this room stays here.

[bell rings]

[door opening]

Here we are.

["La Traviata: Addio del passato" continues]

Distinct attack.

Thanks, that's plenty.

You getting notes of brioche as well?

Oh, yeah.

[grunts]

So, is this witness ready to speak?

Of course, I talked to him on the phone maybe an hour ago.

[Lamarck] What can we do to help you?

Well, I have to admit he was upset about being fired

after everything that happened to him.

I see, and in the event that everything goes well,

would he be amenable to working for the group again?

I'd imagine he would. That and other…

assurances.

[Lamarck] Let's stop tiptoeing around it, shall we? A hundred thousand.

How about it?

[breathes deeply] Firmin has a huge, huge family.

So, I was told that you're known as a bad egg.

Yes, well, that's not a complete fabrication. Thanks.

No doubt, in any case, you're a better egg than I am.

That's true. But for how much longer?

Why should I trust you, Landry?

Because you have no choice.

You won't hold it against me that I looked into you?

No, it would've shocked me if you hadn't. I'm just gonna…

[gasps]

Thank you very much.

[chuckles]

He's adorable.

Very smart.

Hope you know you're not his intern.

Yes… no, that's why I'm here, right?

Lambert, what was the name of the guy we hired for my son again?

-Stanley. -Stanley, that's him.

And what's his job title?

"Mr Clean."

"Mr Clean." [laughs] Isn't that clever? "Mr Clean."

Someone who keeps you from using. Genius idea.

A buddy system for drug addicts.

A hundred and fifty.

-I'm fine, thanks. -Oh, no, please. You should, Noé.

Not every day you get to drink rare champagne.

That's true.

Just half a pour. [clears throat]

Two hundred thousand.

What a bunch of pigs, huh?

They're drinking expensive champagne while collaborating with terrorists.

Says the guy who was more than happy to sample every bottle.

Wait, but c'mon. You're not about to betray an innocent man?

-I'm saving him, I'm doing my job. -By selling his soul to the devil?

You must not understand what this profession's all about.

Ugh, fine, explain it to me.

Caleb, Anne Lamarck,

you don't judge, you just mount a defence.

The truth is only part of the story. It's about what the court sees.

Do you know what I mean? Did this come up in class yet?

Yeah, I understand.

Honesty when it suits us.

Shoulda gone to med school.

-Come on, grow up, stop whining. -Yeah, yeah.

Is your phone backed up, Noé?

-Yeah. -Alright.

-I think so. -Uh, reset it, if you don't mind.

Mm. Sure.

Wait, why?

I'll explain in a bit.

[dramatic music playing]

I'm telling you, I'm his lawyer.

I told the public defender he could sit this one out.

-End of the hall, on the right. -Perfect.

-Hello. -[lawyer] Well, yes.

I'm Tanush's lawyer, good evening. Apologies for the delay. Hi there.

If you don't mind, I'll take over from here.

-Who… I don't understand. -Uh wait, hold on.

Who is the lawyer for Mr Gashi?

-Me, obviously. -I am, sir.

Mr Landry, the family's counsel. My card.

-And this is Mr Henry, my associate. -Pleasure.

Dritan sent me.

I'm confused, is…

-What's confusing here? -Why wasn't I informed?

-That's what I'm doing now. -So I drove here for nothing.

Sorry for the inconvenience. How about I show you out?

[Noé] Get home safe, sir.

-[sighs] -[Landry] Thanks, sor…

Thirty years, I've never seen anything like this.

I'm contacting the President of the Bar.

Please do. By all means, sir. We're buddies. Say hello for me.

-[lawyer] Sure. -Bye, be safe.

So, how we doing?

Get much off that phone?

-Oh, the phone? -Yeah.

[officer] Speaking of the phone…

Man, with all this dope, I don't even remember where I put it.

[clears throat]

Your client refuses to give us the code.

There you go. Maybe you can talk some sense into him?

"He refuses." What if he forgot? I'm sure that's happened to you.

[officer] Nope, never.

Excuse me. Stand in front of me, please.

-Oh, sure. -Just come this way.

Come over here, Noé.

You mind? I know you can't do this, but I'm gonna move this along.

Let's cooperate, shall we? Alright? Got it.

It's unlocked.

Shit. Dammit, sorry.

-What did I tell you? Get back there. -Jesus, sorry. It's my fault.

-Hey, help him, come on. -No, stop. I'd prefer you step back.

-Stand over there. Please don't move. -Got it.

-You'll just make it worse anyway. -Sorry.

-I'm so clumsy. -Leave it.

-Thank you. -All done.

Yep, the screen is up now. No pesky paperwork.

Plus, my client can't be blamed now for refusing to give you his code.

Let's see what we've got.

I won't be present for your hearing because I've got another client,

but I'll see you tomorrow, OK?

You'll be alright, Tanush.

-Thank you, gentlemen. Take care. -Goodnight.

Wait, your phone is completely empty. What the hell is this?

Goodnight.

[suspenseful music playing]

Wait, why're you… why bother with that?

Switch off the automatic sleep mode.

You know how to do that?

Uh, yeah.

-You sure you're up for that? -Of course.

-You sure? -Yeah.

Careful, if the screen goes to sleep again, we're done for.

Right.

[phone dialling]

-Yeah, hello? -Yeah, Caleb.

Léonard Landry, we've got the phone.

Go see Suleiman, he's waiting at the Cova.

-Where? The Cova? That's the name? -It's on the Champs.

-OK, we're leaving now. Is it open? -Yep.

-OK. -So I'm not gonna get my phone back, am I?

Buy yourself a new one, and bill it straight to Algarade.

["Pangor (swalalala)" by Djaksparo playing]

We're here to see Suleiman.

Hello, everybody.

The big shark. Give it.

Come on.

[man] Go ahead, get all his contacts.

Bro, it's a goddamn gold mine. It's Berisha's whole fucking client list.

[cackling]

Can you please tell Caleb about this? He owes me a big favour now.

You gotta tell me how the fuck you got this. Make yourself comfortable.

Ah!

A magician never reveals his secrets.

[Suleiman] Damn, you're a real one. Try some of my cognac.

Here you go, Mr Magician.

Thank you.

I was parched.

Very good.

[chuckles] Um, sorry.

But if you're able to get my phone back at some point, that'd be awesome.

[all laughing]

Don't rib the man too much now.

He's a future high-powered lawyer.

That's it, guys.

[laughing]

We're burning Berisha.

[all] Monopoly! Monopoly! Monopoly!

Monopoly! Monopoly! Monopoly!

["Agüita" by Gabriel Garzón-Montano playing]

Hey, hey, hey, it's our secret, right?

Don't worry, we're in this together, brother!

-Just please tell Caleb, alright? -Yo… yeah, relax, I got it.

Kick back, man. Let's bring out the goods, guys.

Try it, this stuff's fire. Not that dogshit Berisha's dumb ass's been pushing.

[laughing]

There you go, there you go.

Yeah, some of that.

[chuckles]

[tense music playing]

[blows]

-You outta your fucking mind? -Hey, hey, he just sneezed, relax.

It's a… sinus infection. He's hammered, I'm sorry.

I apologise for that.

Well, friends, hate to cut this short, but it's been a long night.

-Right? Let's, uh… -Yeah, get going, you goofy pricks.

-Don't forget to tell Caleb. -[Suleiman] Get outta here!

[snorting]

[afrobeat music playing]

["Love is The Drug (Todd Terje Disco Dub)" by Roxy Music playing]

[song continues]

-[music stops] -[car door closes]

Whoa! [chuckles] You OK?

[groaning]

[sighs]

Uh… where are we?

Right outside my place.

Well, the office.

Why?

Because you'll wind up in a crash if you drive like this.

What?

Don't bullshit me, bro.

What're you saying?

There's another reason, like…

you don't wanna be alone?

OK, get out. That's crazy.

-Stop being clever. Let's go. -Is it hard to admit it?

-No, nothing to admit. Get out. -[chuckles] Hey.

-Yeah? -If something's bothering you…

-Yeah. -Just tell me about it.

OK, thank you for that, c'mon.

[chuckling] Are you struggling right now?

No, clearly you're the one struggling.

-Hey! -What? Oh, man.

[laughs] You're a great dancer.

Yeah, go ahead, get it out. Come on. Let's go.

[laughing]

The keys.

Right here, right here.

-Hey, hey, hey. Wait. -Hey, we're good. Here.

Alright. Sorry.

Try not to make a fool outta me, it's a nice neighbourhood.

-Watch it. -[Noé] Right.

[door closes]

It's actually common, a fear of… well, being by yourself.

Some people can't do it for one second.

-[grunts] Yeah? -Yeah.

My thing is… it's kinda the reverse.

So, like, when…

when I feel down or things are shitty, I make a point to avoid people.

-Really? -Really. I don't wanna see anyone.

Take the couch, you'll be more comfortable.

[Noé] Really. Not a soul.

I mean, that actually happened, um…

Uh… better part of a year…

I spent lying in my bed, couldn't go to school and…

I refused to leave my room.

That's why I'm behind and all, because I had to delay college.

I wanted to be alone.

Yeah.

[phone buzzing]

[Landry] It's him.

Hi, Firmin? Hope you're doing OK?

I'm fine, thank you.

Good, what can I do for you?

I talked to Caleb. I'm on board with you helping me.

[dramatic music playing]

-Hello? -OK, that's great, Firmin. Wonderful.

You know what? I'll come see you in person in Kolwezi.

That way we can get on the same page. How's that sound?

-Fine, but the trial is in two days. -One second.

Noé, you have your passport on you?

Noé? [snapping fingers]

[snoring]

WEDNESDAY

God, how many drinks did I have?

Six?

It's amazing you could stand this. I'm sorry.

Well, that was the problem.

If I'd been less resilient, it would've been easier.

When you first called me about the job,

I wasn't happy just because you were the only person

who didn't care about my age.

I watched you argue in court a while back.

-When was that? -Ten years ago.

It was my first year of school.

The Ritz Hotel maids case.

-Long time ago. -You remember?

Yeah, back when I was on a winning streak.

All downhill from there.

Honestly, you were excellent.

All of us were amazed.

It was great.

-And now I'm over the hill? -No, that's not what I said at all.

Actually, I think your best days are still ahead of you.

I appreciate it.

[poignant music playing]

Hi there. Would you like some champagne?

[woman] Oh, no, thank you. Want one, honey?

-Thanks. -Sorry.

[crew] Sir, would you like one?

[suspenseful music playing]

[man] Can you give us a lift?

-[man] Hey. -[Noé] How's it going?

-[man] Good to see you again. Doing good? -[Noé] Yes.

-Hello. -How are you?

-Morning. -Hello.

Please, this way.

I'll wait for you here.

This is the last picture I have of Caleb before he went to Europe.

-[baby babbles] -[Landry] He's very cute.

I have a lot of respect for your son.

We just talked on the phone.

My son tells me you're a very good person.

Make yourself at home.

Thank you, Mrs Draza.

Here he is.

With all this going on, he hasn't seen anyone in a long time.

Firmin. Here we are, finally.

-Hello, sir. -No, call me Léonard.

Oh, meet Noé. He works with me.

How are you, Mr Draza?

Pleasure.

Sorry, would you give us the room?

-Just for a few minutes. -[mum] One second.

I'm curious, how do you think the trial will go tomorrow?

The government and the NGO won't attack my son?

No, don't worry about it. It'll be fine.

We'll prove that Firmin's innocent and made the right decision.

And we'll prove beyond a doubt that neither he nor the company

were implicated in the massacre.

But, but sir…

I did see the massacre.

I saw them do it.

The terrorists are at home around that mine.

Varenne pours money on them to keep the site running.

Varenne knew damn well what the terrorists were doing.

The whole world knew.

-[mum] Take a step back. Slow down. -Keep your voice down.

They're just trying to help you, OK?

Look, from my point of view, you're just a pawn in this whole thing.

The NGO's using you to fight their battles for them,

so I would think about what's best for you and your family.

With your testimony,

you'll prove yourself innocent, and it's over.

Plus I've negotiated very good compensation from Varenne.

Could you hand me your notepad?

Do you… do you have your notepad or not?

Thank you.

So, Firmin, tomorrow,

all you have to say is that a group of extremely threatening armed fighters

ordered you to fill them up,

and they gave you no choice, you had to obey them.

Nothing more.

Why should I help exonerate the company?

Oh, no, no, you're exonerating yourself.

OK, Firmin, I'm not here to force you into something. Hm?

It's your decision.

[dad] Two hundred thousand euros is about 500 million Congolese francs.

Mm-hmm.

Five hundred million.

With that amount of money, you could buy any future you want.

It's your decision, Firmin, but don't make it out of pride.

[sighs] Alright.

What do we do about the video though?

What video?

The video the NGO people posted. What do we do about that?

[eerie music playing]

[Landry sighs]

When did they post it?

Two hours ago.

[eerie music builds]

[Landry] What do we do?

It directly contradicts what he's supposed to say tomorrow.

[Iris] I'm defending you even though you had 20 grams under your robe, right?

Figure it out.

Varenne had to know about the damn video, it's theirs.

I found out when you did.

Yeah, right.

How'm I gonna straighten this one out?

I'm not the one over there, Léonard, you are.

So find a solution, and fast.

[sighs]

[action music playing]

-[Landry] So the rebels came in this way? -Right.

OK.

So where're the cameras right now?

There's one here.

Another one over there.

By the light.

[Landry] Got it.

And so the guy from Varenne…

took you over…

this way?

[Firmin] Yeah. Why?

When's the hearing start tomorrow?

THURSDAY

[clamouring]

Sorry, excuse us.

KOLWEZI COURTHOUSE

[audience clamouring]

Mr Draza,

according to the footage we just saw,

you filled the pickup truck on the orders of a Varenne employee.

Is that what happened?

Yes.

After that, you saw the pickup drive away

and then take the road to the village of Ekoto?

[Firmin] Yes.

[audience clamouring]

Two hours later, the defendants reached Ekoto and a massacre occurred.

Madam Clerk, if you would.

[audience] Ooh!

[woman] Murderer! My God, look at that!

He's a criminal!

He'll say anything they want him to.

-[judge] Sit… -He'll lie through his teeth.

-Ma'am, compose yourself. -Anything for the goddamn blood money.

This is outrageous!

-[all clamouring] -[gavel banging]

[judge] Compose yourself.

Your Honour, I have no further questions.

Very well.

Are there any further questions from the defence?

[lawyer] Not at this time, Your Honour.

[tense music playing]

[judge] Thank you, Mr Draza.

Uh, Your Honour, may I say something to the court?

[judge] Yes.

Some other elements were mentioned during questioning.

They're important to help people understand what happened.

So, may I present them?

[judge] We're listening.

Well, I made a video…

that might help explain my story.

[audience clamouring]

New evidence should be reviewed.

You're supposed to provide me with that well in advance…

[judge] Order! The court will come to order!

Both of you, be quiet. I insist.

Bailiff, please proceed.

[tense music continues]

Thank you, Your Honour.

Earlier this morning, I went back to the mine site with my cell phone

because I wanted to show what happened to me that morning,

the morning of the massacre.

When the rebels arrived, they were very threatening.

And my site boss…

he knew that if we refused the demands of the rebels,

the personnel there were gonna suffer.

He knew exactly what was coming, and he formed a plan

that only I could help carry out.

[audience clamouring]

-[judge] Alright. -[gavel banging]

Silence! Be quiet!

Silence or I will clear the courtroom.

[Firmin] Your Honour, in the video here,

you can see that there's one camera next to the pump

and another a little further back.

When the rebels' pickup trucks arrived, I was supposed to go fill them.

The men were pushing me around and I refused, in the beginning.

-And the boss came… -[man] That's a lie! You're lying!

The site boss came and he came over to me and brought me

to the back of the station.

[man] That's not true!

[audience clamouring]

[judge] Silence!

When we got here, there was no camera in the back.

And the rebels couldn't see us because we were in a blind spot.

And then my site boss took me over,

over to those reserve tanks right there,

and told me to close the diesel tank and open the gas tank.

-[judge] Order! Quiet down! -That's the diesel tank.

-[judge] Silence! -So I turned it off.

Then he told me to go to the gas one, which is in the middle.

That's it right there.

He told me to turn it on.

-That was the… it was… -[judge] Order!

-[Firmin] Your Honour… -That's enough!

Your Honour. Please, sir.

[judge] Quiet down or I'll clear the room.

[woman] Shame on you!

My site boss knew immediately it was the only way

to inflict damage on the motors of the pickups

and make sure they never reached the village. That's what really happened.

-[audience clamouring] -Silence!

Order!

Order, please!

Be quiet, please. Please. That's enough. Sit down, please.

Mr Draza, what are you talking about? The massacre still happened!

Correct.

But if the rebels made it to the village,

it was clearly not my fault or the company's.

[audience clamouring]

We did everything we could to stop them from getting there.

Stopping them was impossible.

What were we supposed to do?

[gavel banging]

[clamouring continues]

[tense music continues]

[Firmin vomiting]

Firmin, it's Léonard.

You alright?

Here, put your wrist under cold water. It helps.

It works well.

You did what had to be done. Alright? You were perfect.

No regrets, Firmin.

They'll leave you alone from now on.

I'll tell your brother I'm glad we worked together.

[footsteps approaching]

-Sir, a glass of champagne? No? -[man] No, thanks.

Would you like one?

May I interest you in champagne?

Yeah, thanks.

-Champagne, sir? -No, thanks.

Uh, wait, I'll have his.

-Here you go. -Thank you.

[sighs]

That's damn good.

So crisp and fresh.

Having a good time?

I'm drinking to forget.

God, cut the bullshit.

It went perfectly fine. We did what we did and we won.

Right. We won so it's worth it.

That's right.

Of course.

"The use of promises, offers, pressures,

bribes, battery, assaults, payments or artifices during a procedure…"

[Landry] Article 434 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. I know the law.

Right. Sure, that's great. I'm not done.

"…in order to induce false attestations will result

in up to three years’ imprisonment and a fine of €45,000,

even if it's unsuccessful."

You'll make a good prosecutor.

Fuck, this was stupid, I never should've followed you.

What exactly is your problem? Huh?

Varenne'll continue developing the Congo,

Firmin gets a cushy job offer and a lotta cash.

Come on.

His parents are happy, so are his brothers and sisters.

Everyone's good. End of story.

I bet the fucking terrorists are thrilled with you, too.

You just cooked up the perfect alibi for them.

Those pricks'll get life in prison, don't worry about that.

We did our job, nobody was harmed.

What job? I'm an accomplice to your schemes and corruption.

Think about it.

Keep it down and quit acting like a martyr for two seconds, OK?

What is so damn complicated about this?

You know my life is on the line.

You think I enjoy going this route?

No, but my trial's in three days,

and I'd prefer to remain a lawyer if you don't mind.

It happens to be the only thing I'm good at.

So go ahead, recite the Criminal Code, fine with me.

Just stop with all the bleeding heart, humanitarian horseshit.

Here, here. Take a look.

Sir, if you're not a big fan of champagne,

maybe you'd prefer a sauvignon blanc, pinot or…?

I'd prefer you to quit offering me alcohol every two seconds, please.

Of course, sir.

[sighs]

LIVES GONE NAMES TO REMEMBER

[dramatic music playing]

[sighing]

[music intensifies]

Not stopping at Varenne?

No, I'm going with you. Take us to Rue Jean Goujon, if you don't mind.

What's the number again?

What? [scoffs] It's ten.

Uh, that's number ten, please.

You're coming to my place?

Close. Just dropping you off.

Mm. Thought you were, uh…

The NGO's been in a panic. They're trying to delay the hearing tomorrow.

Fortunately, the judge said no.

Let's hope they don't come up with a video of the pickup arriving at the village.

For now, it'll hold up.

You did great.

Right.

Has Firmin been paid?

-That's up to Varenne. -OK. And Lemonnier? Did you guys meet?

Yeah, it should be fine.

Wait, as in…?

Suspended sentence, but you keep your law licence for now.

Seems like Lemonnier will overlook it this time. Next time, I doubt it.

I want you to take some time off,

and get whatever tests you need

so you're in fighting form

for the trial in three days, OK?

Hmm. Sure.

[sighs]

-You're paying me like a mobster. -They don't make half as much.

Thought you'd be thrilled.

Yeah, I am.

You did your part, Léo.

Being clean suits you.

Mm-hmm.

I don't feel very clean right now.

-Well, to be honest, that makes two of us. -[music fades]

[man] Hey, Landry.

[suspenseful music playing]

Hey, hold on.

-Open up! -[banging]

Open this door!

Tanush, go around!

Open the fucking door!

Get over here, Landry.

[panting]

Where you going?

[panting]

Get the fuck back here!

Hurry up, let's go!

Landry, you prick!

Get back here, arsehole.

Motherfucker!

[suspenseful music continues]

[panting]

[man] Got him!

-My God. Bamir, didn't recognise you! -Cut the bullshit.

-What can I do for you? -You're doing something for us.

[grunts]

Know how much money we lost 'cause of you?

You stole our client list for that son of a bitch, Caleb!

Wait, hang on. Hey. I swiped the phone, OK? It was gonna bring you down.

-It had everything… -Shut up!

Between all the messages and the contacts, you'd've been in prison ten years!

-Are you fucking with us? -What? No!

I swear it's true. And now it's disappeared, they're done.

It'll blow up the whole investigation. They have no evidence.

-Don't screw with my head. -I'm not.

-I'm not, I swear. -Let's silence him.

You'll never fuck with me again. Your tongue!

-Hold him! Shut it. -Stick out your tongue!

-Open your mouth. -You fucking heard me!

-Do it now! -Are you Deaf?

-You heard the man! -No, wait, I can pay!

-I'll pay you back… -What?

-Hang on. -Talk, come on!

-The cash is at my place, alright? -Your place, really?

Don't lie to me, you fucking junkie bastard.

A little of this, you'll tell us the truth.

-No, no, stop! -Tilt your head!

-Drop your fucking head! -Take this!

-C'mon. -Do what he says!

-Now you're going to talk! -Hold him still! Goddamn!

Stop moving, son of a bitch! You'll love this, you motherfucker.

There, there. Look at this bitch.

That what you wanted?

You gonna stop bullshitting us now?

[gasping]

-Hang on! Guys, wait. -Give him more!

Hang on. Here.

What's that?

The money, take a third of it. [sniffles]

A third? The guy's a comedian.

[suspenseful music continues]

[tyres screech]

[Landry groans]

[panting]

[groans]

[sniffling]

[blows nose]

[groaning]

[blowing nose]

[panting heavily]

-[Iris] Yeah? -Hey, Iris. It's me, it's Léonard.

[panting]

If I used half an hour ago, could it already be in my blood?

[nurse] I don't know, you'll have to wait for the results on Monday.

Really? Goddammit, that's too late. Can't we speed up the process?

No.

If I test positive, how long does it stay in the blood?

I'm a nurse, sir, not an addiction specialist.

-Sorry. -What about the testing paperwork?

There's nothing I can do, but this looks bad, it's really swollen.

[groans]

[nurse] OK, we'll show it to a doctor.

[tense music playing]

I figured you'd be gone.

Well, no, I stuck around. So?

They'll have the results on Monday, plus they want to X-ray my hand.

-Oh, yeah, no kidding. -Mm-hmm.

What do we do if the test is positive then?

Could we make it through the hearing? Should we ask to suspend?

No, a suspension won't work.

Let's hope it's negative.

By the way, I got you a room.

Oh, where?

Um, here.

-The hospital wants you under observation. -Alone?

What do you want?

For me to stay?

Give you a nice cup of tea? Want me to tuck you into bed?

-To be honest, I wouldn't mind that. -I bet.

I love that trick you showed me, putting your wrist under cold water.

-Works pretty damn well. -Oh, yeah.

-Works great. Uh-huh. -Yeah?

Alright, I'm off.

[phone buzzing]

FIRMIN DRAZA

See you Monday.

[suspenseful music playing]

[phone dialling, stops]

Hey, Caleb.

-Hold on, I wanna FaceTime. -Uh…

I can't get a hold of your brother. Is everything OK?

-[scoffs] You fucking with me, huh? -What?

Look, you got ten different accounts for this money.

My mother's been running all over, you're driving us nuts over here.

What do you mean?

Couldn't you pay me in euros, like everyone else,

or in crypto or something? Huh?

What am I gonna do with 136 million Congolese francs?

I'm confused. What're you talking about?

Look, bro, fix the problem.

I want my dough in euros, and in Dubai.

-Don't worry, I'm on it. -Alright.

FRIDAY

[Iris] Your Honour, if I may.

As you may be aware, it so happens the hearing in Kolwezi

produced critical testimony.

Testimony which proved that the Varenne group had nothing to do

with this tragic and bloody massacre.

Therefore, my client would have no reason…

no reason to appear before this court,

but for a troubling fact that we discovered last night.

The primary witness, Firmin Draza,

committed perjury.

If you'll take a look at the screen, it shows Mr Draza’s bank account,

where you'll see a deposit of more than 136 million Congolese francs.

And after investigating the source of these incoming funds,

we traced them back to an account with the number 5127.

This account, I suspect, will be well-known to the court

because it appears to belong to…

to the terrorists responsible for this massacre.

-As the upcoming investigation will prove… -[judge] Quiet.

…the Varenne group was, in fact, betrayed by a local employee,

whose hideous corruption brought him into close contact with the terrorists.

Simply put, he offered them logistical support in exchange for payment.

I'd add that the police are very familiar with the Draza family.

Firmin's brother, one Caleb Draza,

is currently imprisoned at Fleury-Mérogis.

The French justice system and your court know him well.

Nothing further, Your Honour.

[judge] Miss Lamarck, do you have anything to add at this time?

-I'd like to speak. -Then please come forward.

Your Honour, the Varenne company has always worked to improve the fortunes

of the Global South,

investing in roads and electricity.

We have certainly never financed a war.

Your Honour, this was a betrayal, in point of fact, by a young man in our firm.

-And today… -Excuse me.

When a lawyer bears witness to a crime they're bound by law to report it.

-Sit down. -I'm sorry, but your Honour…

-Take a seat. -It takes priority.

What're you doing? Would you…

I refuse to let an innocent man be sacrificed

to save the reputation of one person,

namely the CEO of this corporation.

-This interruption's objectionable. -On what grounds are you intervening?

I understand it's confusing because I'm not wearing my robe.

I wasn't planning to be here, but I'm an attorney for Miss Lamarck.

That's not true. I don't know him, Your Honour.

Well, I have evidence on here that proves otherwise.

[Iris] I request an immediate suspension of the hearing.

Suspension denied.

I recuse Mr Landry.

Make up your mind.

So now I'm your attorney?

[judge] Recusal denied. Please proceed, Counsellor.

I'd be happy to, Your Honour.

Two days ago, at the request of Miss Lamarck,

I met with Firmin Draza.

I went to Kolwezi for the purpose of dictating testimony to him.

It was meant to exonerate my client, Varenne.

[Iris] Your Honour, I strenuously object.

These statements are defamatory and categorically false.

[judge] Continue.

What was I offered for prescribing this false narrative? A huge sum of money.

-Not much of a surprise. -[Iris] Nonsense.

So, Miss Lamarck, since you're concerned about the truth,

perhaps you can tell us a bit more.

The amount of cash exchanged, for instance.

Your Honour, this behaviour's reprehensible.

[judge] Proceed, Counsellor.

200,000.

[audience] Ooh.

One part of which was put into his account in Kolwezi,

that allowed them to ambush Firmin Draza,

the "young man in our firm,"

who this woman took and turned into the ideal scapegoat…

I've heard enough of these lies!

Excuse me, Your Honour, you might be interested in

knowing where Mr Landry wound up last night, and why?

Excuse me, Miss Saint-Didier,

but this is a court of law, not a schoolyard. Enough.

I'm sorry, but…

My manoeuvring must have not've been enough to reassure them.

They needed a sacrificial lamb.

So they used the rest of the cash they had promised Firmin Draza

to fabricate evidence they could use in a crucifixion.

This man is a drug addict and a fabulist who has no clue

about this case or any other.

I know what happened, Your Honour.

And I know because I'm culpable.

Like you,

Miss Lamarck.

And like you,

Miss Saint-Didier.

[judge] Mr Landry.

The accusations you put forward today will be examined at a later hearing.

I must say, I get the feeling your career in delinquency is just beginning.

Nevertheless, I thank you for this moment of integrity.

If you don't mind, we'll resume the session.

[Iris] With pleasure.

If I'm not mistaken, you were telling us about the Draza family.

I was discussing the criminal record of Caleb Draza, right.

[judge] I'm listening.

It's an elaborate history of wrongdoing.

2014.

Drug trafficking.

2016.

Possession of narcotics.

2018.

Importation of narcotics.

Pontoise.

Seventh Chamber.

Aggravated assault.

Jonathan Mbaya, 34.

But also Bobigny.

-Zoé Mbaya, 12… -Eighteenth Criminal Chamber.

-[Landry] Léon Mbaya, 67… -Assault with deadly…

-[judge] Bailiff, remove this man! -[Landry] Samuel Banza, 29…

-Nene Yamba, 41… -Remove this man…

-Précieux Yamba, six years old. -[poignant music playing]

Anu Mamba, nine years old.

[audience clamouring]

-Amina Kanku, 31 years… -[Iris] Créteil…

Junior Nkoy, 15 years old.

Third-degree murder in an crime organisation.

[poignant music continues]

[techno music builds]

MONDAY

[siren wailing]

-[firewoman] This one? -[Noe] Yeah.

[ringing doorbell]

Mr Landry?

Mr Landry, can you hear me? You been waiting a while?

-It's been over an hour. -[banging]

Hey, it's the fire department. Can you hear me?

-[banging] -I haven't heard from him since Friday.

I don't know if you're in there, but we'll break down your door.

Can you hear me?

Whoa, whoa, the hell's the matter with you?

My God, I've been trying to reach you for days. I was worried.

So you stopped by to knock down my door?

Just got it repaired, too.

-[fireman] You alright, sir? -I was laying down. Is that allowed?

My bad.

-Well, we'll let you sleep. -[Landry] Great.

-Sorry. -OK, let's go. Goodbye.

[sighs]

[pepper grinding]

I brought you back your coat.

You'll be happy to know your sacrifice paid off.

The police showed up to search Varenne's offices.

And as for Firmin, it's kind of complicated,

but he's going to be a civil party in the trial.

[sniffles]

And um… what about your trial?

[sniffles] What about it?

It's Monday. That's today.

Are you going?

[sniffles] I don't have to be there.

You're not seriously about to skip it, right? Come on.

Huh? Are you?

What's the point, Noé? It's all over for me anyway.

[sniffles] Plus, I have no robe.

Right, I didn't show you. Look.

I've been doing some arts and crafts lately.

That's cute.

[sniffles]

-[Noé] Come on, that's enough. -Whoa! Hey!

[glass shatters]

You'll stop right now, take a shower and show up in front of the judge. Hurry.

-I told you already, it's over for me. -That's not a given. We don't know that.

You have to fight.

You still an attorney or not?

Are you still an attorney or not?

[suspenseful music playing]

It's negative.

See, it's a sign. You got this.

Your bag, here.

[judge] …and outright fraud, all in the course of his duties.

With that said…

Mr Landry, your hearing started at 1:30 pm.

It's now 2:15 pm.

Please remove your robe, Mr Landry.

Where is your counsel?

Miss Iris Saint-Didier informed us by email she won't be defending Mr Landry.

Right, I know, but… you haven't replaced her?

Just me today. Is that a problem for you?

If you're prepared for that, it's not a problem for us.

OK.

No, Mr Landry, I don't think you understand.

You're on the defendant's bench.

You're not a lawyer today.

And I'd appreciate it if you'd remove your robe immediately.

Very well.

Let's continue.

We won't repeat the facts, Mr Prosecutor.

You may close your case now.

Of course, Your Honour.

It's such a waste.

It's shameful.

Yes, that's correct, Mr Landry, I'm talking about you.

Allow me to offer a harsh reminder, sir.

When you were sworn in as a lawyer,

you vowed to execute your duties with dignity,

conscience, independence, probity,

and humanity.

However,

the spectacle you so recklessly performed for us last month,

and, forgive me for saying so, that you're still putting on today,

is unacceptable.

Look at me.

Then look at your colleagues bearing witness to your disgrace.

Because this doesn't only affect you, Mr Landry.

You're not alone. Your behaviour blemishes the whole court.

You assume this is a matter of your freedom as an individual

to take narcotics and break the law, but because of you

our entire judicial tradition is at risk of contamination.

Because the facts before us today, Your Honour…

the facts

are truly incontestable.

We all know it.

In fact, they're much more than incontestable, Mr Landry.

The facts are despicable.

And with the facts in mind, I implore you, Your Honour, to convict Mr Landry.

For the use of a controlled substance, I recommend twelve months' imprisonment.

And as an additional sentence, Your Honour,

I ask you to permanently ban Mr Landry from practicing law.

Thank you very much.

So, Mr Landry, you weren't here,

but just before you arrived we were discussing

a note from Paris' Court of Appeals

arguing that you have a degree of culpability

for various charges in the Varenne case,

including tampering with testimony,

association with criminal actors

and outright fraud.

All of this in the course of your duties.

We're listening.

[sighs]

Mr Landry, do you have nothing to add?

Alright.

Well.

The court has deliberated.

-We hereby approve a sentence of… -No, wait, Your Honour, excuse me. Uh…

Excuse me, I won't tolerate interruptions of this kind in my court.

-All I'm asking for is a fair judgment. -Who are you?

I'm uh… his attorney.

[scoffs]

You're an attorney?

Not quite yet, but as an intern, technically,

I can plead in court under my supervisor's watch.

Where's your supervisor then, sir?

-Right here. -Mr Landry, can you tell your friends

to stop these silly provocations on your behalf?

[Noé] No, excuse me, allow me to insist, Your Honour, but…

uh… a student lawyer who's already been sworn in

may plead in the presence of his supervisor.

And Léonard Landry continues to exercise his duties. He's still a lawyer.

Alright then.

Um…

Uh…

Your Honour, Mr Prosecutor,

your primary goal today

is to take this robe away from Mr Landry.

And if I may, ma'am, I think you've already decided to do that.

I've learnt that this piece of fabric I hope to wear soon,

and I'm not there yet,

can be a burden not unlike armour.

Only this armour doesn't protect you at all.

I have to tell you, because of Mr Laundry, I had the most exhilarating,

the most incredible, crazy week I've ever had. The most depressing too.

Let's get to the facts please. I don't want to be here all day.

[Noé] Of course. I'll continue. I met Mr Landry a week ago.

I got a call from him because he was looking for an intern.

What he was unaware of and what I never told you about

is that before you called me up I'd decided I'd never become a lawyer.

I'd given up hope and was ready to quit.

When I met you, I had a lot of doubts about myself

and my ability to do this job.

But as I watched you fight to remain a lawyer,

I learned the deeper meaning of this profession,

Your Honour, I believe the true purpose of this profession

is to ensure no one is left behind,

to see that nobody is alone.

The Léonard Landry I saw last week in front of his rehab

when he was fighting addiction

was the most pathetic, lonely guy I've ever met.

Apart from me, but I digress.

Yet that man spent his time defending everyone, the worst and the best,

without judgment or reproach,

meeting every challenge with the same passion.

And ultimately, that's why I'm here.

You don't have to do this by yourself. You don't have to be alone.

You're complicated. You're the best and the worst,

but I swear, you'll never be beyond redemption, not while I'm defending you.

[sobbing]

Your Honour, I'd just like to conclude by saying that I know, in my position,

it's a risk to appeal to your empathy,

your humanity,

even your compassion.

But I want to reiterate, Léonard Landry shouldn't be punished.

That wouldn't be right. This man should have our urgent support.

He almost died a month ago, and if you punish him now,

when he destroys himself it will be your responsibility,

and you will live with that.

So I beg you to be lenient.

Well, do you have anything to add, Mr Landry?

Very well.

The case is under advisement.

After our deliberations, Mr Landry,

the court has found you guilty of all relevant offences.

You will hereby serve a total of six months' suspended imprisonment

with a period of probation,

and as an additional penalty,

the court bans you from practicing law for a period of two years.

[poignant music playing]

You should know, Mr Landry,

the court valued the comments delivered by your young recruit.

But be assured that if, in the course of time,

you resume your old habits,

the court will not be as lenient.

That's all.

Right, moving forward…

Right there, that's perfect.

[Noé] You gonna be OK?

[poignant music continues]

[phone dialling]

[Noé] Yeah?

Hey, Noé, when do you plan to take the bar exam?

In three months. Why?

I'm gonna need a good lawyer for the Varenne case.

-I was told you're very familiar with it. -[chuckles]

Oh, I am, Mr Landry.

So you're going to work your magic?

Mr Landry, don't worry. From now on, I'm your lawyer, alright?

You speak to me, and me alone.

Is that clear?

Yeah, got it.

I won't abuse your trust.

Thank you, Noé.

Goodbye.

[man 1] Hello, everyone. I've been sober for six months.

Hey, guys, I'm an addict. I've been clean for 15 days.

Morning, everyone.

I'm an addict and I just got to eight days sober as of today.

[host] Hey, Léonard.

Do you wanna take a chair and sit down? Yeah?

Thanks, perfect.

[clears throat]

[woman 1] Hey, guys, I'm an addict

and I've been clean now for three weeks and two days.

[woman 2] Hi. I'm an addict, too, and I've been clean a total of seven days.

[man 2] Hey, guys, how are you?

I'm an addict and I've been sober for 23 days.

[music stops]

Uh, my name's Léonard. [clears throat]

Yeah, so, I'm an addict.

I guess I've been sober for one day.

["Love is The Drug (Todd Terje Disco Dub)" by Roxy Music playing]

THE GOOD LAWYER

[song ends]

[low dramatic music playing]

[music fades]