Polytechnique (2009)

Last updated:
April 18, 2025

Denis Villeneuve’s Polytechnique (2009) is a stark, haunting dramatization of a real-life tragedy: the École Polytechnique massacre that occurred in Montreal, Canada, on December 6, 1989. Shot in striking black and white, the film explores not only the events of that horrific day but also the psychological aftermath experienced by survivors. This is not just a movie—it’s a cinematic meditation on gender-based violence, trauma, and memory.

Detailed Summary

The Morning of the Tragedy

The film begins on an ordinary winter day as students arrive at École Polytechnique, a prestigious engineering school. Two of the protagonists, Valérie (played by Karine Vanasse) and Jean-François (Sébastien Huberdeau), are introduced in quiet, mundane moments that sharply contrast with the violence to come. The narrative provides glimpses of their hopes, dreams, and pressures, giving a deeply human face to what will soon become a national tragedy.

The Attack Unfolds

The narrative structure is nonlinear, showing the event from multiple perspectives. The unnamed gunman, played chillingly by Maxim Gaudette, enters a classroom, separates male and female students, and proclaims his hatred for feminists before opening fire. The film does not sensationalize his violence; instead, it portrays the horror with a detached, almost clinical restraint, letting the emotion come from the reactions of the victims and survivors.

Jean-François, wracked with guilt for having left the classroom when ordered to do so, is shown grappling with his inability to act. Valérie survives the shooting but suffers deep psychological trauma. We see her attempts to rebuild her life after the massacre—struggling with survivor’s guilt, PTSD, and the difficulty of moving forward in a world that can’t understand what she endured.

Aftermath and Emotional Resonance

The film ends not with triumph, but with somber reflection. It closes on Valérie, years later, starting a family and trying to find peace, but the emotional scars remain. The closing voiceover, where she speaks of choosing life, underscores the resilience of the human spirit even in the face of unimaginable tragedy.

Movie Ending

Polytechnique ends on a contemplative note, emphasizing remembrance and healing rather than revenge or resolution. There is no artificial sense of closure—just the quiet continuation of life. The film leaves you with a heavy heart and a deeper understanding of the lasting impact such violence has on individuals and communities.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Polytechnique. Given the film’s subject matter and tone, a post-credits addition would have been inappropriate. The movie ends when it needs to—with reflection and silence.

Type of Movie

Polytechnique is a drama and docudrama, with strong elements of psychological realism. It’s also a historical reenactment, though never in a sensationalist way. It could be categorized under biographical thriller, but it avoids thriller tropes in favor of emotional authenticity.

Cast

Karine Vanasse as Valérie
Sébastien Huberdeau as Jean-François
Maxim Gaudette as the Shooter
Evelyne Brochu (small role, before she rose to fame)

Karine Vanasse also served as a co-producer, a role that speaks to her deep personal investment in the project.

Film Music and Composer

The film’s minimal and atmospheric score was composed by Benoît Charest, best known for his work on The Triplets of Belleville. In Polytechnique, the score is subtle, often absent, which enhances the raw emotional realism of the film.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in Montreal, Quebec, but not at the original École Polytechnique out of respect for the victims and their families. Other local schools and controlled sets were used to replicate the environment. This decision preserved authenticity while maintaining a respectful distance from the real location.

Awards and Nominations

Polytechnique received critical acclaim and won multiple awards, including:

Best Motion Picture at the Genie Awards (Canada’s equivalent of the Oscars)
Best Director – Denis Villeneuve
Best Actress – Karine Vanasse
Numerous nominations for screenplay, cinematography, and sound design

It is widely regarded as one of the most powerful Canadian films of the 2000s.

Behind the Scenes Insights

The film was shot in black and white to emphasize the gravity of the subject and remove distractions, creating a more timeless and respectful tone.
Villeneuve and Vanasse worked closely with survivors and consulted psychological experts to ensure the portrayal was sensitive and accurate.
Villeneuve delayed making the film until he felt he had the maturity and understanding necessary to do the story justice.
The cast rehearsed extensively to ensure authenticity in emotionally taxing scenes.
Many scenes were shot in long takes to preserve the immediacy and realism of the moment.

Inspirations and References

The film is inspired by true events, specifically the 1989 Montreal Massacre, in which 14 women were killed by a gunman targeting feminists.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

There are no known alternate endings. Villeneuve stated that every scene included in the final cut was deliberate. Some scenes were trimmed for pacing, but none altered the emotional core of the film.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Polytechnique is not based on a book, but it aligns with journalistic accounts and survivor testimonials. The characters are composite figures, not direct portrayals of real people, allowing the film to explore emotional truths while respecting individuals’ privacy.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

The classroom sequence where the male and female students are separated.
Valérie hiding and surviving the massacre, later washing blood from her hands.
Jean-François’s final scene, showing the weight of survivor’s guilt.
The final voiceover about choosing life, underscoring the film’s central message.

Iconic Quotes

“All I wanted was to love and be loved.”
“He hated feminists. I didn’t even know I was one.”
“I chose life.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

The decision to not name the shooter in the credits or dialogue is deliberate—Villeneuve wanted to avoid giving notoriety to the killer.
The film’s aspect ratio subtly changes in scenes to reflect different points of view.
The snowfall outside the school was enhanced digitally to create an oppressive silence, echoing the aftermath of trauma.

Trivia

This was the third feature film of Denis Villeneuve, made just before his international breakout with Incendies (2010).
The film was shot in only 20 days.
Villeneuve and Vanasse faced resistance from broadcasters early on who feared the topic was too sensitive to portray.
The title Polytechnique is never spoken in the film.

Why Watch?

Watch Polytechnique if you’re seeking a powerful, thought-provoking film that confronts real-world violence without exploitation. It’s a graceful, emotionally shattering work that honors the victims while inviting viewers to reflect on systemic misogyny and the long shadows left by trauma.

Director’s Other Movies

Recommended Films for Fans

Elephant (2003)
We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
Mass (2021)
United 93 (2006)
Incendies (2010)
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)