A Origem do Mal

Or whos knocking on the door as we now enter the heaviest of tv-crime season, at least here in norway, the easter holiday season. This could be a bullseye film for the norwegian broadcaster NRK, a film with loads of scamming, identity theft, envy, mistrust, love and death...

i shall admit i used some time to get into the playbook of this filmstory, but when i saw the cluedos of the game it was pretty exciting after all. I cant say the same about the music made for this story, simple keyboard scrambling of such low quality even i couldve done it.

The cast playing the caracters of this awkward family is good, and leaves a lot of signals that too much money aint always a recipie for familiar happiness...

i guess this flick will suit le femmes of the audience, and quite a performance thinks the grumpy old man, recommende'

_L'Origine du mal_ vaguely reminds me of Claude Chabrol's _Flower of Evil_.

Both films are about a controlling patriarch, his dysfunctional family, his old(ish) money, possible incest.

Sebastien Marnier's 2022 film is even shot around the Les Sables-d'Olonne area, not far from Bordeux, the setting of Charbrol's film. In truth, _The Origin of Evil_ is far more interesting, and nastier, than _Flower_. The use of the split-screen technique adds to the ironic, detached tone.

It is not much of a spoiler to reveal that the down-and-out con artist played by Laure Calamy decides to takes over the identity of Stephane Dumontet, the long-lost illegitimate daughter of rich but frail Serge. She visits his chateau (only reachable by boat) and they hits it off at once. But his wife Louise (Dominique Blanc), daughter George (Doria Tillier), and maid Jeanne (Celeste Brunnquell) are considerably less pleased. Calamy, with her demure charm and easy smile, starts to wear down the women's resistance, but everyone turns out to be quite a bit more troubled, and perhaps evil, than he/she first appears.

It is a psychological thriller Chabrol would have been proud of. The main issue is Calamy, whom I like and who is wonderfully expressive as usual.

However, she does seem to have the same facial expressions and reactions whether she is annoyed at her married lover (_My Donkey, My Lover, and I_), facing the lost of her job (_Full Time_), or confronted with someone intent on killing her. In other words, she could use a bit more range. Blanc is very good as the long-suffering wife who is not above getting her revenge on her husband, while Jacques Weber also surprises with his multifaceted character.

Tillier (_Mrs. And Mme Adelman) has a more straight-forward role. Wow isn't she towering; she must be a full foot taller than Calamy. I wonder if that isn't why she is cast.

Sébastien Marnier's French thriller The Origin of Evil tells the tale of Stéphane, a woman on the verge of bankruptcy who tries to get in touch with her wealthy, estranged father and his new family. The film is a slow-burning thriller that keeps the audience on edge with its twists and turns, held together by a stellar ensemble cast. The plot is well-crafted, with a web of lies, secrets, and self-serving schemes that kept me guessing until the end. The theme and tone of the film are dark and twisted, with a touch of black humour that adds to the overall enjoyment of the movie.

The acting and characters are the strongest aspects of the film. Laure Calamy delivers a standout performance as Stéphane, a complex and flawed character who is both sympathetic and unsettling. Dominique Blanc is also wonderful in her role as Louise, Stéphane's evil stepmother, and Jacques Weber is convincing as Serge, the patriarch of the family. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with each actor bringing their own unique flair to their respective roles.

The direction by Marnier is solid, with extensive use of split-screen that conveys the duplicitous and conniving happenings of the story. The score is also noteworthy, with an unusual but effective use of a pipe organ that adds to the film's eerie atmosphere. The cinematography, production design, and use of colour are all well done, with a unique and unconventional approach that sets the film apart from other thrillers.

The film's pacing is slow at times, which did not appeal to me. The editing is also a bit uneven, with some scenes feeling disjointed or unnecessary. However, these minor flaws do not detract from the overall quality of the film.

The Origin of Evil is a deliciously twisted thriller that is sure to satisfy fans of the genre. The film's exceptional cast, solid direction, and unique style make it a standout entry in the thriller genre. While it may not be for everyone, those who appreciate a slow-burning, character-driven thriller will find much to enjoy here.

The Origin of Evil is no such thing, it's a ridiculous title for such a sedate and slow-paced thriller. In fact, L'origine du mal is about a half an hour too long.

Stephane, a factory worker, seeks out the wealthy father who abandoned her mother long ago so that she can get to know him in his old age. Serge is not a good man, he admits to caring about nothing but work and money and to having "a few" women. His wife and daughter, George, can't stand him and seem determined to make his life a living hell - the wife by power shopping constantly for things she does not need (or really even want) to waste his millions, and the daughter has taken control of all of his existing businesses, to his chagrin. Stephane is immediately regarded with suspicion and anger by her spoiled half-sister George but insists on ingratiating herself into her father and step-mother's lives.

Stephane is hiding an awful lot, including a lesbian partner who is confined to jail for a crime she claims she didn't commit. I know all of this sounds really interesting and twisty, and the cinematography is nice, but The Origin of Evil is all-too-common. It's very average as a French thriller, I guess you could say it was done in the classic style of French cinema. Maybe I'm too used to watching Italian Giallos and K-Thrillers but this movie practically put me to sleep. I managed to take a break then stay with it until the end, which was relatively predictable at that point.

The one good thing I can say about this film is that because it is so serious, it's difficult not to empathize with Stephane, no matter how bad of a person she is. I'm often able to distance myself from nasty characters emotionally, but Stephane is played with a complexity that hints at her severe mental instability and emotional scars which encourages a sense of sympathy for her until the bitter end.

The Origin of Evil; A French and Canadian Noir Black comedy which flirts with the slipstream of Horror. Nathalie (Laura Calamy) is a Ripleyesque character, an identity thief who now attempts to assume the role of Stephane the long lost daughter of a wealthy man, Serge (Jacques Weber). His family are not happy to see her, George (Doria Tillier), her "half sister" is especially suspicious. Serge's wife Louise (Dominique Blanc) is also unwelcoming at first but begins to see Nathalie as a possible companion. Though she works in a fish canning plant on the production line, Nathalie pretends that she owns the factory. It is certainly an odd household, Georges's daughter Jeanne (Celeste Brunnquell) describes it as a madhouse, Louise obsessively buys all sorts of things online, every room in the villa has unopened boxes, Jeanne continuously takes photographs. The family are uncaring towards Serge, bullying him since he had a stroke, not helping him up when he falls, trying to gain power of attorney over his business. The housekeeper Agnes is a spy for Louise and George. Serge sees Nathalie as a potential ally who can be a witness at his competency hearing. But there are many plot twists to come as Nathalie reveals hidden strengths to emerge as a very talented Ms Ripley indeed as her intentions become more refined. But even she has problems as her imprisoned lover ( Suzanne Clement) retains an interest in her. Sharp dialogue, an interesting use of split screen, sometimes up to five different viewpoints simultaneously and the darkest of humour speed this narrative along. Great acting from an ensemble cast. The ghost of Patricia Highsmith is smiling down on this production. Directed and Co-Written by Sebastien Marnier. 8/10.