The Origin of Evil (Subtitled) (15)

Nothing is as it seems in Sébastien Marnier’s thrilling plunge into the toxicity of wealth.

Struggling seafood plant employee Nathalie navigates a mundane existence, oscillating between her low-end job and sombre rendezvous with her imprisoned lover. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she reconnects with her long-lost father, the wealthy and enigmatic Serge. Set against the backdrop of an opulent Côte d’Azur estate and simmering family tensions, this so-called reunion unveils a labyrinth of complexities. Serge, struck by a stroke, finds himself surrounded by a dysfunctional household, including a shopaholic wife, a grasping daughter and a disapproving housekeeper, all awash with the allure of his money and prestige.

With a layer of humour stretched thinly over a heavy weight of mystery and tension, Marnier orchestrates a symphony of twists and turns, leading to a beautifully unforeseeable conclusion. The film's unruly revelations are bolstered by a stellar ensemble cast, with Laure Calamy's captivating portrayal anchoring the narrative. While naturally suited to comic roles, she can turn on the drama in the blink of an eye. It’s a mesmerising talent given full scope here as it becomes increasingly unclear who Nathalie truly is. An absolute must-see