Reading some of the reviews, I was struck by the willingness to review any film but the one under discussion. I don't care what Chabrol did with Le Boucher, still less what Mann did with Manhunter or Hitchcock with Rear Window or you name it... Let's look at the quiet piece that Anne Fontaine has made.
I am convinced that Isabelle Carré is one of the best actresses now active, right up there with Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard, Rosamund Pike. She really inhabits a role that has no spectacular moments, nothing that would win a César. This woman is under pressure: her friend has been murdered, she may be being stalked by the killer, yet she's got to remain calm for the sake of her family. It's a wonderful performance.
Benoit Poelvoorde as the veterinarian with a lot of unhappy secrets gives the other remarkable performance. I don't know much about this actor, but his sad, hang-dog look coupled with sudden attempts to be engaging kept me involved throughout his scenes.
I am convinced that Isabelle Carré is one of the best actresses now active, right up there with Cate Blanchett, Marion Cotillard, Rosamund Pike. She really inhabits a role that has no spectacular moments, nothing that would win a César. This woman is under pressure: her friend has been murdered, she may be being stalked by the killer, yet she's got to remain calm for the sake of her family. It's a wonderful performance.
Benoit Poelvoorde as the veterinarian with a lot of unhappy secrets gives the other remarkable performance. I don't know much about this actor, but his sad, hang-dog look coupled with sudden attempts to be engaging kept me involved throughout his scenes.