The Javert Reaction GIF features a clip of Inspector Javert, played by Russell Crowe in the 2012 musical adaptation of Les Misérables, peering through a window with a look of intense, stoic concentration. The meme gained massive traction on Imgur in late 2014 when users began digitally inserting the footage into various unrelated backgrounds, making it appear as though Javert was looking in on bizarre or embarrassing situations. It is primarily used to convey a sense of being an outsider looking in, or to express silent observation and judgment. The template's popularity stems from the character's unwavering gaze and the dramatic zoom, making it a staple for internet users reacting to weird or unexpected online content.