La demoiselle d'honneur

Ruth Rendell wrote the source novel for this curious, sexually charged but ultimately unsatisfying thriller set on the anonymous outskirts of Paris. Young twentysomething professional Philippe (Benoît Magimel) inhabits a world of absent and ineffectual men. He lives with his widowed mother Christine (Aurore Clément), and she in turn suffers a fly-by-night partner, Gérard (Bernard Le Coq), a rebellious daughter, Patricia (Anna Mihalcea), and another older daughter, Sophie (Solène Bouton), who is about to marry Jacky (Eric Seigne), an awkward, nervous-looking chap. The wedding day shifts ‘The Bridesmaid’ from the realm of mildly interesting family drama to clumsy erotic thriller. At the party, Philippe exchanges glances with mysterious bridesmaid Senta (Laura Smet), who soon declares that the pair are destined to be together and asks him to prove his undying love by performing several tasks – including murder. Her demanding sexuality, fantastical talk and unpredictable behaviour wear down Philippe – and an intriguing set-up soon fizzles out into very little indeed.