Critique Express: Une Affaire Turque - A Deep Dive into Integration and Corruption

France: 2026 Original Title: – Director: Hüseyin Aydin Gürsoy Screenplay: Ludovic du Clary, Hüseyin Aydin Gürsoy Cast: Lionel Erdogan, Charles Berling, Metehan Aygün, Lubna Azabal Distribution: Paname Distribution Duration: 1h33 Genre: Drama, Thriller Release Date: August 12, 2026

Rating: 3.5/5

Synopsis: Mathieu, a brilliant and determined lawyer, distances himself from his Turkish community to ascend the social ladder. He dedicates himself to becoming a partner at a prestigious law firm. However, the arrival of a young Turkish man in a precarious situation needing help will thrust him into a corruption scandal that jeopardizes everything he has built.

In contrast to the German film industry, which has produced numerous films by Turkish directors, France has been slower to showcase similar narratives. This context amplifies the significance of Une Affaire Turque, the debut feature of Hüseyin Aydin Gürsoy, who moved to France from Turkey at the age of three. The film intricately weaves two interrelated narratives that can be examined separately. The first revolves around a corruption scandal within the European Parliament, a plotline that feels somewhat familiar and can be challenging to follow. This story prominently features Mathieu Duman, a talented young lawyer of Turkish descent, whose family resides in Villiers-le-Bel. Fully integrated into French society, he faces accusations of betrayal from some members of his community. To facilitate his integration, Mathieu has even changed his name from Mustafa to Mathieu.

The second narrative, which is more compelling, immerses viewers into the Turkish community to which Mathieu/Mustafa belongs. This community exhibits a strong sense of solidarity, leading Mathieu/Mustafa to grapple with his identity. Just as he is on the verge of being offered a partnership by his boss Claude Delval, he finds himself compelled to assist Abdullah Özkan, a young Turkish taxi driver who has been the victim of a racist attack and is now unemployed.

This act of kindness thrusts Mathieu/Mustafa into a web of corruption that severely undermines his social ascent. Through this journey, Hüseyin Aydin Gürsoy adeptly explores the challenges faced by children of immigrants in France, often hindered by societal rejection. The quest for integration can manifest in various ways, from complete withdrawal into one's original community to a desire for total assimilation, with many navigating a middle ground that honors their cultural roots, whether through culinary, religious, or musical practices.

Historical parallels can be drawn with the experiences of Aveyronnais moving to Paris or Bretons arriving at Gare Montparnasse, who faced similar dilemmas. To portray the character of Mathieu/Mustafa, the director chose Lionel Erdogan, whose surname reflects his own heritage, adding authenticity to the film. Alongside him, Charles Berling plays Claude Delval, while Lubna Azabal shines as a cunning lawyer of North African descent, who steps in for Mathieu/Mustafa when Abdullah seeks a new attorney. The film's soundtrack, composed by Emrah Kaptan, complements the narrative without overwhelming it. Notably, the voice of Franco-Turkish singer Gül Hacer Toruk, who previously captivated audiences in Le comte de Monte Cristo, can be heard beautifully performing at a wedding celebration in this film.