Cert 15
102 mins
BBFC advice: Contains strong language
When the French get thrillers right (they are not as consistent as the Scandinavians), they have, in my opinion, a spark which sets them apart.
This may have something to do with their concentration on style or elements such as soundtrack and lighting.
It is, as they might say, a sort of 'je ne sais quoi".
But it is evident here in Jeanne Herry's Elle L'Adore which was only shown briefly at Cine Lumiere in London a couple of months ago but is now out on DVD and itunes.
The movie stars Sandrine Kiberlain as Muriel - a fantasist who has a childlike obsession with a famous singer (Laurent Lafitte).
She goes to many of his concerts, hangs around for hours to meet him and keeps an extraordinary amount of memorabilia.
But to what lengths would she really go to prove her fandom? In Elle L'adore it is put to the test in a way she could not have possibly imagined.
Kiberlain is in fine form as Muriel who is on the cusp of being unhinged but is just about holding it together.
Lafitte also impresses as the cool singer who becomes more and more unravelled as the movie goes on.
I shall explain no more because, if I did, I would ruin some key twists.
And there is realism. Herry is the daughter of a famous singer so has been aware of fans similar to Muriel.
Elle L'adore is not a perfect thriller (there are some moments which stretch credibility) but it is certainly worth watching.
Director Jeanne Herry: I’ve met fans like Muriel (because father is singer Julien Clerc). They tend to be loners. They are like collectors, archivists almost, who fill their lives with their passion.
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: yes
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10