Is Public Security Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Public Security is likely a skip if you enjoy Crime movies.
It features a runtime of 98 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to mature audiences.
Public Security Review
Last updated: January 13, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1987, Public Security emerges as a significant entry in the Crime domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Tempted by an important contract, Anna, a renowned writer, agrees to write a screenplay. Unlike standard genre fare, Public Security attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
The screenplay, appearing to prioritize narrative momentum and immediate impact, sets a stage where the stakes feel personal yet universal. Under the directorial eye of Gabriel Benattar, every scene is crafted to contribute to the atmospheric weight of the story, ensuring that the Crime elements serve the larger narrative arc rather than just providing spectacle.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass in Character Study
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Public Security features a noteworthy lineup led by Sophie Duez. Supported by the likes of Jean-Pierre Kalfon and Daniel Gélin, the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes. However, the sheer charisma of Sophie Duez, Jean-Pierre Kalfon, Daniel Gélin manages to keep the audience invested through the film's more predictable sequences. In the broader context of 1987 cinema, these performances stand as a testament to the evolving standards of acting within the Crime space.
Directorial Vision & Technical Craftsmanship
From a technical perspective, Public Security is a marvel of 21st-century filmmaking. The cinematography, utilizing a moody and atmospheric color palette, significantly enhances the world-building aspects of the production. Each frame seems calculated to guide the viewer's emotional response, whether through wide, sweeping vistas or tight, claustrophobic close-ups that emphasize character isolation.
Technical Excellence: The production design and visual effects provide a solid foundation for the story, ensuring that the world of the film feels lived-in and authentic, even when the narrative logic falters. Furthermore, the sonic landscape—comprising both the score and sound design—adds a layer of subtextual narrative that rewards attentive viewers.
Narrative Pacing & Structural Integrity
The structure of Public Security follows a sophisticated brisk pace. Over its 98 minute duration, the film manages to balance exposition with action in a way that remains consistently entertaining. The second act, often the most difficult to manage, serves here as a crucible for character growth, leading toward a climax that feels both inevitable and surprising.
Critically, the editing choices by the team help maintain a narrative tension that rarely wavers. The sharp, concise editing ensures that not a single frame is wasted, making the film ideal for a modern audience that values efficiency in storytelling.
Cultural Impact & Global Resonance
Beyond its immediate entertainment value, Public Security resonates with contemporary social and cultural themes prevalent in the Crime landscape of 2026. It addresses concepts such as the nature of heroism and personal legacy with a level of maturity that is often missing from major releases.
This cultural relevance is likely why it has garnered a 0/10 rating on our platform. Films like this bridge the gap between niche interest and global appeal, proving that stories rooted in specific human experiences can find a home with audiences worldwide, from the US and UK to India and beyond.
Plot Breakdown & Philosophical Subtext
Analyzing the plot deeper, Public Security is more than just its synopsis. It is an inquiry into the boundaries of human experience. Tempted by an important contract, Anna, a renowned writer, agrees to write a screenplay. But she lacks inspiration. She talks to her old university professor. No solution... Or maybe one... Take inspiration from reality. Desperate to express what seems to her to be clichés, Anna sees her life turned upside down after her husband's arrest, when a dancer is found murdered. A tornado, against a backdrop of police drama, her scenario takes shape. Her husband, innocent, is released, the murderer is still at large.
The philosophical underpinnings of the third act suggest a worldview that is standard for its genre yet executed with high professional polish. This is not just a commercial product; it is a piece of art that invites discussion long after the credits have finished rolling.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Public Security (1987) is overwhelmingly negative. With an audience rating of 0/10 and strong performance metrics in the Crime categories, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Whether you choose to experience it for the stellar performances from Sophie Duez, Jean-Pierre Kalfon, Daniel Gélin or the visual majesty of its technical execution, Public Security is a significant contribution to the cinema of 1987. It represents the kind of filmmaking that movieMx is proud to champion—original, bold, and ultimately, deeply human.
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Public Security has not been officially rated yet. However, due to its genre classification (Crime), viewers should expect mature themes, violence.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 0/10, and global collection metrics, Public Security stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1987 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Public Security movie hit or flop?
Public Security is considered a flop based on audience ratings of 0/10 and lower collections.
Is Public Security worth watching?
Based on the low rating of 0/10, Public Security may not be worth watching unless you are a die-hard fan.
Where can I watch Public Security online?
Public Security may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
Explore More Verdicts
Synopsis
Tempted by an important contract, Anna, a renowned writer, agrees to write a screenplay. But she lacks inspiration. She talks to her old university professor. No solution... Or maybe one... Take inspiration from reality. Desperate to express what seems to her to be clichés, Anna sees her life turned upside down after her husband's arrest, when a dancer is found murdered. A tornado, against a backdrop of police drama, her scenario takes shape. Her husband, innocent, is released, the murderer is still at large.