By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 4.5 cats
Director: Léa Mysius
Starring: Adèle Exarchopoulos | Moustapha Mbengue | Patrick Bouchitey | Sally Dramé | Swala Emati
Original language title: Les cinq diables
Year: 2023
Running time: 103
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13391708/reference/
Michael says: “For second outing as writer/director, French artiste Léa Mysius tackles mystic melodrama with largely successful results. An eight-year-old girl with supernatural smelling abilities, an forbidden romance, a tragic fire, and some time travel all add up to a filled-to-bursting narrative, but somehow it works, largely due to Mysius assured directorial hand, and some top notch performances. Still, it’s a French melodrama, and things do get pretty heightened, but never so far as to go over the edge.
“Ever since ZERO FUCKS GIVEN and last year’s Best Actress nomination, I’ve been on a bit of an Adèle Exarchopoulos, with her bonkers turn in Quentin Dupieux’s MANDIBLES, and her more recent turn as part of a doomed throttle in Ira Sachs’ PASSAGES. In THE FIVE DEVILS, she spends much the film frowning, clearly living a life she wasn’t meant to live, with the exception of her unique daughter who she adores. Young Vicky Soler, in her debut role, handles a complex role adeptly. Her reactions are spot on. Mysius is a talent to watch, and THE FIVE DEVILS is definitely a worthwhile endeavor. Kudos to the cinematography by Paul Guilhaume as well. 4 cats”
Julie B. says: “I loved this and am giving what I believe may be my second 5 cat rating for this year.
Sally Drame referred to as young Vicky Solar (the character) in Michael’s review gives an outstanding self assured break out performance!
What I loved about this film was that from the start it had it all. An intriguing scene which one surmises most likely a flashback from/to the past, then in a different time and space incredible cinematography mixed with fantastic use of music, finally switching to a totally different location and tone(with befitting music as well). In addition this last scene has one asking what is the relationship between the woman teaching the class and the little girl by her side. And also, was that woman in the opening scene the same woman here but as a younger version of herself? That woman, played by Adèle Exarchopoulos, with her rather non-descript yet beautiful looks is a chameleon. I did not even know that was her in Passages but did wonder isn’t this the girl from Zero Fucks Given. But indeed I knew I had seen her more recently in something. I often don’t read detailed reviews till after seeing the movie/s as you know.
“Ensemble cast as nominated by Chris and Michael in our spread sheet fits here as well yes.
“The question of and preconceived notions as well as post-interpretations of why the name The 5 Devils is an interesting one.
“While the movie is not perfect, I nonetheless give it a 5 for the sum of it’s parts.
“Well worth a watch and I hesitated as I don’t like scary movies but this is not at all what I thought it would be.”