What Is Polytechnique About?
The premise of Polytechnique in 307 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the crisp, early‑autumn light of Montreal, the prestigious École Polytechnique hums with the focused energy of young engineers. The campus is a tightly woven tapestry of study rooms, bustling cafeterias, and quiet corridors where ambition and camaraderie intersect. Within this world of formulas and future plans, the film settles into a measured, observational rhythm, letting the everyday texture of the school speak for itself before any storm arrives.
The tone is deliberately restrained, capturing the ordinary with a quiet reverence that borders on the lyrical. Cinematography favors lingering shots of empty lecture halls, the soft clatter of keyboards, and the subtle gestures that bind a community together. A muted colour palette and minimal‑istic sound design reinforce a sense of calm that feels both intimate and universal, inviting viewers to inhabit the lived experience of the students and faculty before the narrative turns toward the day that alters everything.
Among the ensemble, Jean‑François is introduced as a thoughtful male student whose sense of duty often places him at the crossroads of action and hesitation. Across the aisle, Valérie and Stéphanie emerge as resilient young women, each carrying personal hopes and a quiet resolve that anchors their friendship. Their interactions—brief, witty exchanges in the hallway, shared moments over coffee—hint at deeper layers of trust and ambition that will later be tested.
When an unexpected act of violence intrudes upon the campus, the film shifts its focus from the external event to the internal reverberations felt by those left to piece together a shattered routine. Rather than dwelling on the incident itself, the narrative follows the ripple effects—collective grief, whispered conversations, and the fragile process of rebuilding a sense of safety. In doing so, it offers a contemplative portrait of a community confronting loss, emphasizing the enduring human spirit that seeks meaning even in the wake of incomprehensible tragedy.
What Happens in Polytechnique?
The complete story of Polytechnique, from the first scene to the last, in 284 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout.
Spoilers ahead
A young man meticulously prepares his rifle and writes a heartfelt message to his mother before heading to Polytechnique Montreal, an engineering school. Inside a classroom, he disrupts the lesson by entering with his weapon drawn. Demanding the men vacate the room while instructing the women to remain, he demonstrates the seriousness of his intentions by firing a shot into the ceiling. As he proclaims his animosity towards feminists, the terrified women protest their non-feminist beliefs, yet he callously opens fire, leaving some dead and others wounded. The chaos escalates as he roams through the hallways and cafeteria, specifically targeting women in a premeditated attack.
Among those caught in the turmoil is Jean-François, a male student who received the order to exit the classroom. Instead of fleeing, he bravely returns to confront the shooter and assist the injured victims. Meanwhile, Valérie and Stéphanie, two women who manage to survive the initial onslaught, play dead, hoping to escape the killer’s notice. Unfortunately, Stéphanie later succumbs to her injuries, amplifying the tragedy of the day.
As the rampage continues, the assailant finds another classroom where he ruthlessly murders a female lecturer. In a moment of despair, he takes his own life, resulting in a gruesome mingling of his blood with that of his victims.
In the aftermath of the massacre, Jean-François, plagued by guilt for having obeyed the order to leave and abandoning the women, tragically ends his own life through carbon monoxide poisoning. Valérie, now wearing the Iron Ring—the professional symbol of Canadian engineers—discovers that she is pregnant. Determined to instill love and resilience, she resolves to teach her potential son to embrace kindness or her potential daughter that the world rightfully belongs to her.
Polytechnique Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Preparation for the Attack” to “A Hope for the Future”. 14 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Preparation for the Attack
A young man meticulously prepares his rifle and writes a heartfelt message to his mother. This moment marks the beginning of a tragic and horrific event that is about to unfold.
When:Before the attack Where:Home
- 2
Entering the Classroom
The assailant enters a classroom at Polytechnique Montreal with his weapon drawn, disrupting the ongoing lesson. His entrance initiates a chilling silence, as students realize the severity of the situation.
When:During class hours Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Classroom
- 3
Targeting the Men
The young man demands the men in the classroom to vacate while instructing the women to remain. This act showcases his intention to target only female students, igniting fear among those present.
When:Shortly after entering Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Classroom
- 4
Demonstrating Intent
To demonstrate the seriousness of his intentions, he fires a shot into the ceiling. This decisive action solidifies his control over the room and heightens the terror felt by the frightened students.
When:Immediately after targeting the men Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Classroom
- 5
Opening Fire
Despite the terrified protests from the women asserting they are not feminists, the shooter opens fire. This brutal act of violence leaves some students dead and others gravely wounded, escalating the horror.
When:Moments after firing into the ceiling Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Classroom
- 6
The Rampage Begins
The chaos escalates as the assailant roams through the hallways and cafeteria. He specifically targets women, reflecting the premeditated nature of his attack and spreading fear across the campus.
When:Following the classroom shooting Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Hallways and Cafeteria
- 7
Jean-François Takes a Stand
Jean-François, ordered to exit the classroom, bravely decides to confront the shooter and assist the injured. His act of defiance demonstrates courage in the face of danger, as he tries to rescue his classmates.
When:During the ongoing attack Where:Polytechnique Montreal
- 8
Survival Instincts
Valérie and Stéphanie manage to survive the initial attack by playing dead. They hope this strategy will help them escape the killer's notice during the chaotic moments of terror.
When:After initial shots are fired Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Classroom
- 9
Tragic Loss
Despite their efforts to remain unnoticed, Stéphanie later succumbs to her injuries. This amplifies the tragedy of the day and leaves a profound impact on the survivors.
When:After the attack Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Hospital
- 10
Execution of a Lecturer
During the rampage, the shooter finds another classroom and ruthlessly murders a female lecturer. This act underscores the terror and indiscriminate nature of his violence against women.
When:During the rampage Where:Polytechnique Montreal, Another Classroom
Show the other 4 events of Polytechnique Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Shooter's Despair
In a moment of despair, the assailant turns the weapon on himself, taking his own life. This tragic conclusion results in a gruesome mingling of his blood with that of his victims, marking the end of the attack.
When:At the end of the rampage Where:Polytechnique Montreal
- 12
Aftermath and Guilt
In the aftermath of the massacre, Jean-François is plagued by guilt for leaving the women behind. Unable to cope with his feelings, he tragically ends his own life through carbon monoxide poisoning.
When:Shortly after the attack Where:Jean-François's Home
- 13
Valérie's Resilience
Valérie, now wearing the Iron Ring, symbolizing her status as a Canadian engineer, discovers she is pregnant. This news brings both hope and determination as she resolves to teach her child about love and kindness.
When:After the attack Where:Unknown Location
- 14
A Hope for the Future
Valérie is determined to instill resilience in her child, whether a son or daughter. She hopes to raise them to embrace kindness and understand that the world belongs to them, even amidst the tragedy.
When:Post-attack Where:Unknown Location
Who Are the Main Characters in Polytechnique?
3 characters, among them Jean-François, Valérie and Stéphanie: who each one is and the part they play in the story.
- J
Jean-François
Jean-François is depicted as a brave male student torn between self-preservation and moral duty. His instinct to return and help his classmates reflects deep compassion and heroism amidst chaos. Unfortunately, he becomes engulfed in guilt following the events of the day.
- 🧑🎓 Student
- 🦸♂️ Heroism
- V
Valérie
Valérie represents resilience and strength as she survives the tragedy. Her character evolves from a victim to a symbol of hope, as she prepares to bring new life into a world filled with pain, aiming to instill positive values in her child.
- 👩🎓 Survivor
- 🌱 Hope
- S
Stéphanie
Stéphanie is portrayed as one of the unfortunate victims in the rampage. Her struggle for survival adds to the emotional weight of the film, illustrating the harsh realities faced by those caught in violence. Her character serves as a poignant reminder of the lives impacted by such tragedies.
- 🚺 Victim
- ⚰️ Loss
Where and When Is Polytechnique Set?
Polytechnique is set in Polytechnique Montreal. Here is why the place matters to the story.
When
The events of this film closely reflect the historical tragedy of the École Polytechnique shooting in 1989. This period was marked by heightened discussions about gender inequality and violence against women, bringing attention to women's rights movements.
Where
Polytechnique Montreal
Polytechnique Montreal is an engineering school located in Montreal, Canada. It is known for its rigorous academic programs and research initiatives. The institution has a significant history in engineering education and has been a site for both innovation and tragedy.
- 🏫 School
- 🏙️ City
What Are the Themes of Polytechnique?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Tragedy, Empowerment and Guilt.
-
01
Tragedy
The movie portrays the devastating impacts of violence and the loss of innocent lives. It reflects on the emotional and psychological trauma faced by survivors and the broader community. The tragic events serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of hate and discrimination.
-
02
Empowerment
Empowerment is a key theme, particularly as it relates to women's resilience in the face of violence. Valérie's journey following the tragedy underscores the strength of women, emphasizing their right to education and safety in academic environments.
-
03
Guilt
Guilt plays a critical role in Jean-François's character arc, as he struggles with his decision to leave the classroom. His emotional turmoil reflects the internal conflicts individuals face during crises. This theme highlights how choices made in moments of fear can haunt one's conscience.
What Kind of Film Is Polytechnique?
Dark in tone, with fast pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Fast
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Sad
A harrowing and unflinching dramatization of a real-life mass shooting that is intensely stressful and emotionally devastating, leaving a lasting impression of grief, trauma, and societal failure.
- harrowing
- somber
- anxious
- tragic
- grieving
- unflinching
- mass shooting
- misogyny
- survivor guilt
- tragedy
Content notes: mass shooting, murder, suicide, graphic violence, misogyny, trauma.
Quiz
How well do you remember Polytechnique? Test yourself on the story.
