French filmmaking couple Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani have built a reputation for making kaleidoscopic odes to European cinema’s gnarliest genres. Their first two films, “Amer” and “The Strange Colour Of Your Body’s Tears” tackle giallo and gothic horror, while 2017’s “Let The Corpses Tan,” cooks down an early Jean-Patrick Manchette novel to its primal spaghetti western and crime movie essences.
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As for their latest film, “Reflection In A Dead Diamond,” this one’s an ode to the European spy and action movies of yesteryear, most prominently Mario Bava‘s “Danger: Diabolik.” The film kicks off with a retired spy living on the Côte d’Azur, whose new neighbor triggers memories of his former profession. Or are those memories actually the delusions of an aging, perverted madman? Cattet and Forzani aren’t telling, and that’s part of the fun.
Here’s an official synopsis for “Reflection In A Dead Diamond,” courtesy of Shudder:
John D, a septuagenarian living in a luxury hotel, is intrigued by his next-door neighbor, who reminds him of his wildest years as a spy on the Riviera during the 1960s.
“Reflection In A Dead Diamond” stars Fabio Testi, Yannick Renier, Koen De Buow, Maria de Medeiros, Thi Mai Nyugen, Céline Camara, and Kézia Quental.
Along with co-directing, Fattet and Corzano also co-write “Relfection In A Dead Diamond.” Pierre Foulon produces the film.
“Reflections In A Dead Diamond” had its world premiere at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, with additional screenings at Tribeca, Fantasia International Film Festival, BFI London Film Festival, and others.
Fattet and Corzano’s latest premieres on Shudder on December 5. Watch a trailer for the film below.
