Movies: Mark of an angel * * * *
(Club, IFI)
Friday May 22 2009
Inspired by true events, Mark of an Angel is a gripping, atmospheric French drama that finds menace and suspense in every corner of its safe, suburban and domestic settings, skillfully establishing a riveting psychological head-to-head between two mothers, both of whom become increasingly ambiguous and unreliable as the story progresses.
Catherine Frot (The Page Turner) makes a commanding lead as Elsa, a chemist going through a painful divorce, who appears to be worryingly reliant on medication just to make it through the day. Elsa's world is spun further upside down, however, when she spots a young girl in a fairy costume at a birthday party attended by her own son.
For some reason, Elsa feels a strong connection to the girl, and quickly ingratiates her way into the life of the girl's mother Claire (Sandrine Bonnaire) and her family. But Elsa's attention to the young girl grows more and more obsessive, leaving Claire no option but to confront this unnerving woman and get to the bottom of her fixation.
It would be unfair to reveal any more of the plot, but it goes without saying that there's more to the situation than meets the eye. Both Frot and Bonnaire deliver wonderfully restrained performances; the latter, in particular, digging deep to find unexpected layers to her character.
Mark of an Angel is a suspenseful, thought-provoking and ultimately moving treat. Recommended.
- Declan Cashin
