The Pundit

The Betrayal

By Alethea Kinsela ⋅ August 7, 2006 ⋅  Email This Post ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

Set during the 1960 Algerian civil war, Lieutenant Roque (Vincent Martinez) is weary of the tedious conflicts and longs for the fighting to end. A general feeling of unease permeates Roque’s unit, and there are frequent displays of guarded and open racism directed towards the four harkis (French soldiers of North African decent). To the locals, the harkis are traitors, and to their comrades, they are filth. The harkis’ ability and willingness to communicate with the locals fuels the suspicion and distrust amongst the other French soldiers. When treacherous but ambiguous evidence in a notebook is presented to Roque, his faith in his men is severely tested as he is forced to question their characters.

Martinez gives a brilliant performance as Roque. An amiable character, Roque is uncomfortable with his position of authority, and when he is ordered to take action against the men suspected of being double agents, his personal struggle and guilt is portrayed in all its raw and gritty truth. The desolate landscape reflects the utter isolation of the soldiers and the despondency of the locals as they trudge through their daily lives, surviving on the little hope that remains.

The Betrayal is a quiet film, with many of the cast communicating in whispers and glances. The smattering of violence is neither graphic nor horrific, but this does not detract from the harsh reality of the wartime setting. As a thriller, there is an undercurrent of violence that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats’the imminent threat of treachery is what drives this subtle and understated film. The Betrayal explores the fragility of loyalty, trust and friendship, and the tension builds steadily towards the final act of betrayal.