Cutting his cinematic teeth back in the mid-80s, as a co-writer for Luc Besson's debut features, Le Dernier Combat and Subway, Pierre Jolivet may not have enjoyed the mainstream success of his early collaborator, but he's not been without his moments. The director responsible for under-appreciated gems Force Majeure and Simple Mortel, here, however, is sticking to more well-trodden turf for his seventh session at the helm.
Based on George Simenon's novel, En Cas De Malheur (adapted for the screen by Claude Autant-Lara in 1958), the plot - married man falls head-over-heels for a sexy young thing - may initially seem to be the stuff of formula, but it explores some very dark avenues. Very quickly. Certainly not the most original of premises, but it's deftly realised, and ably executed by a solid cast, in particular the female leads. Carole Bouquet imbues her role of scorned wife with a profound dignity, while The Beach's Ledoyen is a revelation - positively melting the screen with her calculated sensuality.