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 transsexual 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. Cast Filming locations Baton Rouge, Louisiana Donaldsonville, Louisiana Iberville Parish, Louisiana Pointe Coupee Parish, Louisiana New Orleans, Louisiana Jarreau, Louisiana External links References 2002 films 2002 crime drama films 2002 crime thriller films 2002 LGBT-related films 2000s mystery thriller films American crime drama films American crime thriller films American LGBT-related films American mystery thriller films Films directed by Robby Henson Films shot in France Films shot in Louisiana Films shot in New Orleans Transgender-related films MoviePass Films films Gold Circle Films films 2002 drama films Homophobia in fiction Films about violence against LGBT people 2000s English-language films 2000s American films