Ne te retourne pas

Wow!!! This was actually pretty entertaining. I love the way they change the language to French to Italian. Love Monica Belluci she is just to beautiful to see in person as well in film. The suspense and story were very interesting and that what kept me into it. The story develops so beautifully done and it just keeps you until the end of the seat, these foreign films don't mind going over the top in showing us what we the viewers want to see, and men they do deliver what we want to see, packed with a great story, great acting and just a beautiful done twist at the end, I give " Don't Look Back" a 7 out of 10 Stars.

Many angles are possible to represent personality disorders. Delivering an exciting movie with this subject is a challenge which I believe writer/director Marina de Van succeeded with beautifully. The tension and attention span gradually increase as does the spectator disorientation with subtly changing details to full decors. The physical changes are superbly rendered and here again the spectator starts to loose his/her reference points. In other words, we are inside Sophie Marceau and Monica Bellucci and move with her/them to try and understand. Both actresses perform splendidly and beyond feeling for their life's search, one leaves the movie with a strong bond for both personalities. In summary, I liked the movie for the storyline, the subtle crescendo along the time line, the actresses performance and the total attention span to try and understand (if I had been part of their life, I would have tried to help, but probably to no avail). I am a little sad for the low rating (6 at the time of this review).

And to not give things away, you're not sure whether there's a psychological thriller or some odd crime-horror thing going on until near the end. Fortunately, it does stay consistent with the story it tells, so the ending isn't illogical or a surprise simply for the sake of surprise.

As is becoming more common recently, you're dropped into the story from the character's point of view with no setup and only minimal context, seeing the world almost completely through her eyes.

It also brings in some interesting facial/body visual FX morphing to help tell the story, so fans of the main actresses get their wish in seeing what they might look like if combined.

There are a few annoying plot inconsistencies and story development limitations, but if you ever wondered what a chick-flick thriller might be like, you now have an answer.

Jeanne (Sophie Marceau) is an author with her latest failing attempt. However things start to change around her. She notices changes in her family, her home, and eventually even herself. She wonders if she's losing her sanity as the new Jeanne gets played by Monica Bellucci.

It's an interesting concept taking a page out of David Lynch's playbook such as 'Lost Highway'. It has potential, and possesses some intriguing qualities at first. Sophie Marceau's manic mental disintegration holds some fascination.

However the facial morphing and the weird after effects distracts from the acting. It is a constant confusion of whether or who in the family has changed. In many way, it falls prey to the same problem that David Lynch had. It feels very gimmicky.

Marina De Van's 'Ne Te Retourne Pas' is a complex psychological puzzle and an engaging watch. Starring the world's two of the most beautiful actresses, it definitely grabs the attention of us straight males and lesbians. One can definitely expect sensuality but this movie is much more than that.

First of all their are various ways to interpret the story and 'conclusion'. It's a layered story but one that is open to interpretation. I won't say much else about it because it is best for the viewer to experience and understand it in their own way rather than me telling them how to see it. The lead character is excellently written and we see most of the film from her point of view. At times the situations are confusing and questions, with many possible answers, are raised.

Right from cinematography, location, visualization, art direction, score and makeup, the execution is solid. The special effects department have done a great job. The only time it is noticeable was the CGI of hybrid Tio's face. The freaky Marceau-Bellucci hybrid is well done. The switch from France to Italy is interesting but it makes sense too. It adds a new dimension to the story. The switch from language is fluidly done and it helps that Bellucci is fluent in Italian and French.

The performances are first rate but it is the two spellbinding lead actresses that walk away with glory. While the beautiful Marceau already has made a name for herself in international cinema, one only has to see the sensational Bellucci's acclaimed non-American films to see what a fine actress she is. 'Ne Te Retourne Pas' is their film as both play the same character with sheer conviction.

This is either the kind of movie one either likes or hates or hasn't formed an opinion of. It isn't everyone's cup of tea but it is one that you will be thinking or talking about long after the end credits have rolled. Personally, I like films that have that kind of effect, positively and while many so-called abstract films do have a pretentious quality to them, in my opinion, thankfully this isn't one of them.