In the realm of avant-garde cinema, few films have generated as much buzz as ‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond.' This French fantasy thriller, directed by the visionary duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, made its debut at the 2025 Berlin Film Festival, captivating audiences with its surreal narrative and striking visuals.
‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond' centers on John D, a 70-year-old retired spy residing in solitary luxury on the Côte d'Azur. His mundane existence takes a turn when he becomes intrigued by his neighbor, a woman who evokes memories of his wild espionage days in the 1960s. When she mysteriously disappears, John is thrust into a labyrinth of flashbacks and fantasies, confronting his glamorous yet grotesque past filled with alluring women and dastardly villains.
Cattet and Forzani are renowned for their unique cinematic language, and ‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond' is no exception. The film is a feverish, visceral assault on the senses, with the camera seldom staying still and shots rarely lasting more than five seconds. The directors employ a palette drenched in lurid crimsons and blues, toggling between extreme close-ups reminiscent of Spaghetti Westerns and Argento-styled shots of blades tearing through skin.
The film has garnered mixed reviews. Some critics laud it as a dazzlingly fragmented Euro-spy action thriller that reshapes perception, while others feel the deranged virtuosity can become deadening overkill. Despite the polarized opinions, the film's commitment to its unique style is undeniable.
The film features a compelling ensemble cast, including Fabio Testi as the older John Diman and Yannick Renier portraying his younger self. Koen De Bouw, Maria de Medeiros, and Thi Mai Nguyen round out the main cast, delivering performances that complement the film's surreal narrative.
Following its premiere at the Berlin Film Festival in February 2025, ‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond' is slated for a theatrical release in France on July 2, 2025. While no U.S. release date has been announced, the film's unique style and festival buzz may pave the way for international distribution.
‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond' is a bold cinematic experiment that challenges conventional storytelling. Its fragmented narrative and sensory overload may not appeal to all audiences, but for those willing to embrace its avant-garde approach, the film offers a unique and immersive experience. The directors' homage to the 1960s Euro-spy genre, combined with their deconstruction of identity, memory, and sanity, results in a film that is as perplexing as it is mesmerizing. Whether it stands as a masterpiece or an overindulgent art piece is up for debate, but it undeniably pushes the boundaries of contemporary cinema.
Do you think ‘Reflection in a Dead Diamond's' avant-garde style enhances or detracts from its storytelling? Why or why not?
