This is the true story of the Papin sisters who caused quite a sensation when they murdered two of their employers and while the film clearly doesn't want audiences to feel remorse for their actions it does brilliantly make you understand the circumstances of their lives. Story is set in Le Mans in 1933 where we see Christine Papin (Sylvie Testud) and her sister Lea (Julie-Marie Parmentier) get a job working together as maids in the household of the Lancelin's and what led to the horrific events that will eventually take place.
*****SPOILER ALERT***** Christine as a child wanted to become a nun like her other sister but her mother Clemence (Isabelle Renaud) forced that idea out of her and instead groomed her daughters as chamber maids. Over the course of her life Christine has slowly become more angry and disappointed by those around her and it has led to her dismissal from several jobs. The only thing that she truly cares for is her younger and less sophisticated sister Lea and together they form an incestuous relationship. With the strong sexual relationship that has taken place and the growing erratic behavior of Christine the unfortunate and tragic events occur when their employers arrive home unexpectedly one night and the two are caught together.
This is directed by Jean-Pierre Denis who often thought about quitting as a filmmaker and this led to many years separating his opportunities and choices. For viewers it's a good idea that he didn't give up hope because the film he has made here is so well made and acted that it becomes possible for everyone to understand certain aspects of why a person would commit something so horrific. The film was shot near where the actual events took place and the story paints a picture of two sisters who have nothing positive in their life except themselves which might shed some light on their sexual behavior. One of the more interesting things about this film is that there is no music composed or used at all and the film quietly allows the audience to feel the power of what is happening without the artificial aid of another source such as music. As wonderfully crafted and shot as this is the film wouldn't be the same without the mesmerizing performance of Testud as Christine who gives arguably one of the best and accurate portrayals of why certain people lack mental stability. The film doesn't back away from the sexual frankness of the relationship between the Papin sisters and it adds to the strength of the story which helps the audience understand the intenseness of their feelings towards one another. This is a powerfully told and disturbing film that may make some audience members uncomfortable and that's to the credit of Denis and Testud who give viewers the opportunity to understand the reasoning of most of the actions that take place.
*****SPOILER ALERT***** Christine as a child wanted to become a nun like her other sister but her mother Clemence (Isabelle Renaud) forced that idea out of her and instead groomed her daughters as chamber maids. Over the course of her life Christine has slowly become more angry and disappointed by those around her and it has led to her dismissal from several jobs. The only thing that she truly cares for is her younger and less sophisticated sister Lea and together they form an incestuous relationship. With the strong sexual relationship that has taken place and the growing erratic behavior of Christine the unfortunate and tragic events occur when their employers arrive home unexpectedly one night and the two are caught together.
This is directed by Jean-Pierre Denis who often thought about quitting as a filmmaker and this led to many years separating his opportunities and choices. For viewers it's a good idea that he didn't give up hope because the film he has made here is so well made and acted that it becomes possible for everyone to understand certain aspects of why a person would commit something so horrific. The film was shot near where the actual events took place and the story paints a picture of two sisters who have nothing positive in their life except themselves which might shed some light on their sexual behavior. One of the more interesting things about this film is that there is no music composed or used at all and the film quietly allows the audience to feel the power of what is happening without the artificial aid of another source such as music. As wonderfully crafted and shot as this is the film wouldn't be the same without the mesmerizing performance of Testud as Christine who gives arguably one of the best and accurate portrayals of why certain people lack mental stability. The film doesn't back away from the sexual frankness of the relationship between the Papin sisters and it adds to the strength of the story which helps the audience understand the intenseness of their feelings towards one another. This is a powerfully told and disturbing film that may make some audience members uncomfortable and that's to the credit of Denis and Testud who give viewers the opportunity to understand the reasoning of most of the actions that take place.