Rating summary

Movie		3.0
Video		5.0
Audio		4.0
Extras		1.0
Overall		3.5

Li'l Quinquin Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf June 9, 2015

“Li’l Quinquin” is the latest release from writer/director Bruno Dumont, the helmer of “Humanite” and “Twentynine Palms.” Digging deep into his reservoir of absurdity, the filmmaker offers an extended journey into weirdness and stasis with “Li’l Quinquin,” which braids a serial killer saga with police procedural events and slapstick comedy, taking a whopping 206 minutes of screentime to figure out which end is up. It’s a long adventure into the black heart of rural France, leaving the movie strictly for those who embrace the challenge of cinematic discovery and appreciate humor so subtle, it’s practically indistinguishable.

There’s a killer on the loose, electing to stuff body parts inside dead cows. The locals seem unfazed by the revelation, leaving Commandant Van der Weyden (Bernard Pruvost, who appears to be a long lost Marx Brother) the only man interested in solving the case, which grows more gruesome as the season passes by. The cop is shadowed by Quinquin (Alane Delhaye), a boy currently experiencing the highs and lows of young love and bullying, dealing with his own family issues that are tied to the case. While executed dryly, comedy ensues, with “Li’l Quinquin” observing the cracks in the community, with racism, hostilities, mental illness, and adultery common, yet steely, unhelpful citizens are all Van der Weyden has to work with, embarking on a long journey of interviews, dissections, and clue-gathering.

Li'l Quinquin Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

An HD-shot picture, "Li'l Quinquin" delivers a clean, crisp AVC encoded image (2.38:1 aspect ratio) presentation. Patient cinematography captures wonderful screen detail, with viewers allowed to study character faces (Pruvost's eyebrows are practically made for Blu-ray viewing) and rural locations, surveying the textures of the frame. Colors are bright and sharp, proving accurate hues for blue skies, red blood, and varied costuming, while rural greenery is protected. Skintones are natural. Delineation is ideal, delivering shadows with purpose and detail.

Li'l Quinquin Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA sound mix doesn't make much use of surround activity, electing to push some atmospherics to the rears, but little else. Wind, beach, and cattle movement is welcome, but this is primarily a frontal listening experience, offering defined dialogue exchanges, preserving comedic delivery. Music is sparse but handled professionally, offered some weight and presence. There's nothing remarkable about the track, but what's here is managed accurately.

Li'l Quinquin Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• A Theatrical Trailer (2:32, HD) is included.

Li'l Quinquin Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

There are laughs to be found, along with a sincere inspection of evildoing as human nature tops Dumont's to-do list. Originally broadcast in four parts in France, American audiences are hit with the entire production in one giant lump. That 206 minute run time is felt in a major way, in desperate need of breaks to aid surprise and timing. "Li'l Quinquin" comes dangerously close to a slog, but its peculiarity rescues the viewing experience, sustaining a sense of humor and interest in inscrutable behavior, preserving Dumont's intent.