The Badge

The Badge is a 2002 mystery-thriller film directed by Robby Henson and starring Billy Bob Thornton, Patricia Arquette and William Devane.

Release
The Badge was originally intended to be distributed by Propaganda Films, but the production company went bankrupt during the film's post-production. It was later released on DVD by Lionsgate Films.

Synopsis
La Salle Parish, Louisiana sheriff Darl Hardwick investigates the controversial local murder of a transgender woman, with the highly sensitive matter being concealed as much as possible by the parish's most influential figures, such figures even going so far as to frame Hardwick for statutory rape involving a local waitress. With his career as sheriff at an end, Hardwick takes a personal stake in the investigation after becoming acquainted with Scarlett, the victim's widow. Hardwick heads down a somewhat reckless path to an understanding of the victim's world, reconciliation for past sins, and a series of dark truths within the parish itself.

Reception
The Badge holds a 33% rating on review aggregation website Rotten Tomatoes, based on six reviews.

Filming locations

 * Baton Rouge, Louisiana
 * Donaldsonville, Louisiana
 * Iberville Parish, Louisiana
 * Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana
 * New Orleans, Louisiana
 * Jarreau, Louisiana