Simone Signoret,
Véra Clouzot,
Paul Meurisse,
Charles Vanel,
Pierre Larquey
... see more 
The greatest film that Alfred Hitchcock never made, Henri-Georges Clouzot's Diabolique is set in a provincial boarding school run by headmaster Michel Delasalle (Paul Meurisse). A ruthless lothario, h... read more
DVD Release Date: February 2, 1999
Stats: 901 reviews
An absolutely stunning cinematic achievement. Clouzot not only unfolds a great mystery before our eyes, but for being over 55 years old it is still more terrifying than anything that the recent spat of modern horror directors could serve up. The story isn't convoluted and there i... read more
Quite a caniving plan for Murder for a film of it's time, told in a very much a Hitchcock fashion. Twists and turns keep this a gripping tale and whilst the start is a little slow, this soon becomes an intriguing story.
Overbearing, smug and philandering husband's cruelties forces his wife and his mistress to consider the unthinkable: to team up to off the incorrigible blighter. Only things do not go quite as planned. Poe's "Tell Tale Heart" gets a French update with a twist that still conveys... read more
Alfred Fichet: To commit suicide in the Seine, one doesn't need to undress.
Diabolique is an extrodianary suspense thriller. I guess, at the time when it was made, it could pass for a horror film, but not anymore. That's the only aspect of the movie that disappointed me. I thou... read more
An amazing film, especially when you take into consideration that it was made in the early fifties.
It was well ahead of it's time and different aspects of the story have been "borrowed" so much over the years that it may seem a bit predictable if you don't take that into cons... read more
A true classic of the thriller genre. Unfortunately, it's been done so much since then that I saw the ending coming from a mile away. It didn't ruin the film for me, but it's unfortunate that one can't walk into a classic like this fresh. Regardless, it's a masterpiece.
This film (almost) has it all: it's a suspense thriller, a mystery, a domestic (melo)drama, and even a bit of a horror film. It's widely regarded as a classic, and its influence is undeniable.
I really, really liked, but didn't quite love this film. I thought i would love it, b... read more
another clouzot masterpiece, and easily one of the best horror films ever made. today the film plays more like a suspenseful thriller, but the energy and intrigue are as alive today as it seems to have been decades ago. its the final act of the film that moves it from greatness... read more
I have to say I saw the ending coming but only because wonderful movies such as this have influenced so many films since. Clouzot seems to know what creeps us all out and uses that to full effect in this film. This is one for every thriller/horror fan's 'must-see' list.
Rating a movie is difficult, and I usually end up changing the rating after it has had some time to sink in. So this one can go either up or down.
It's a Noir, and as you might know by know, not my favorite genre. But the combination of the two women, Vera Clouzot and Simone Sign... read more
Cruel, sour, and -- unfortunately -- very effective. Full Review
This is one of the dandiest mystery dramas that has shown here in goodness knows when. Full Review
[Creates] a diabolical double-reverse plot that keeps the audience guessing right up to the thoroughly implausible final scene. Full Review
With a deliciously curvy and complex plot, Diabolique is a masterpiece of suspense -- as accomplished as anything done by Hitchcock. Full Review
One of the best horror-thrillers of the classic era, and a massively inspirational piece of cinema. Full Review
So dependent on visuals, many horror films do not wear well except as kitsch. But crafted fright films like Diabolique maintain their power by creating atmosphere through what is not seen. Full Review
With barely any music, Clouzot unfolds the action with precision timing and suspense, culminating in one of the cinema's first and most memorable twist endings ever. Full Review
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Click a thumb to vote on that suggestion, or add your own suggestions.
Explore | Movies | Actors & Actresses | Photos | Theaters | News | Lists | Quizzes | Best Movies | Blog | Reviews | Mobile
More Info | Copyright, Privacy Policy, Terms of Service | Ad Choices | About Us | Jobs | Advertise | Twitter | Flixster SuperReviewers
Copyright © 2010 Flixster, All Rights Reserved Trademark Use Guidelines
