With this movie, Hitchcock was briefly dethroned as the "master of suspense" before he went on his epic run of movies in the late 50s. Clouzot absolutely slays this. The twists and turns are all over the place, and you don't quite know where it is going until the end.
I was lucky enough to see this in theaters my first watch and there were audible gasps throughout. It's amazing that a 65 year old movie can still have that effect on its audience.
The lesbian tension is palpable yet never consummated. It is apparently part of the novel, which again increases the tension. There is so much that is unknown to the audience, but when it is finally revealed it doesn't disappoint.
Go in blind! Don't read any more, and appreciate the power of French Cinema! :)
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This is my 300th review! Thank you all for reading my writing, I really appreciate it.