Theres enough in Hélène Angels feature debut to suggest its Twin Peaks with a heavy dose of realism and a psychotic edge.
It takes place in a small town set in idyllic French countryside, but with a sex club nearby. It features a tight-knit community which hides secrets beneath the surface right-wing political affiliations, drunkenness and suicide. And it will crumble when confronted with murder.
The story centres on three brothers Frankie, a thug-cop on forced vacation; Coco, a violent nut whos been missing for 15 years; and quiet but untrustworthy Alex. The awkwardness between them creates a tense atmosphere that spreads through the film and, as Cocos mental breakdown becomes more apparent, makes for uneasy viewing. Here ugliness and beauty, guilt and innocence go hand in hand.