The five Devils movie review

French writer/director Léa Mysius weaves an intriguing web of a supernatural thriller with her latest film, “The Five Devils,” which explores themes of racism, sexism, small-town provincialism, and homophobia. However, while the film features captivating performances and striking visuals, it falls short of the director's intended potency.

At the heart of the story is eight-year-old Vicky, played by the talented Sally Dramé, who is growing up biracial in a quaint Alpine village. Vicky's firefighter father, Jimmy, is originally from Senegal, which makes her the target of bullying from the local mean girls, who mock her for her magnificent mane, calling her "Toilet Brush." Despite this, Vicky is a self-possessed child who enjoys her solitude, occupying her time with collecting various items in jars for the memories their scents evoke. She also has a preternatural sense of smell, which we see in an early suspenseful sequence where her mother, Joanne, blindfolds her with a scarf and asks her to find her in the forest.

The family's simple life gets disrupted with the arrival of Jimmy's younger sister, Julia, played by Swala Emati, who returns to the village after a decade away. Joanne and Julia have a fraught relationship that Mysius explores through flashbacks. Still, Vicky discovers that she has a powerful connection with her previously unknown aunt, able to time-travel back to her family's past with just a whiff of Julia's clothes or personal items. However, this intriguing concept raises many questions, such as why only Julia can see Vicky in the past, and what impact Vicky's presence has on everyone's shared experiences.

While the film's interior logic may be flawed, the scenery is varied and visceral, with the picturesque but foreboding Alps providing a chilly isolation that clashes with the catastrophic fire that bookends the film's narrative. The film's cinematographer, Paul Guilhaume, creates vibrant visual contrasts that tell a story all their own, showcasing Mysius's talent for sustained, mysterious mood.

The film also features some captivating performances, particularly from Dramé, who has an intriguing presence and wisdom beyond her years. However, some actors, such as Moustapha Mbengue, who plays Jimmy, get little characterization, leaving their performances frustratingly undeveloped. Adèle Exarchopoulos, who plays Joanne, is at the center of the film's extremes, showcasing her raw talent and unpredictability in sporadic flickers.

Overall, "The Five Devils" is an alluring swirl of supernatural thriller and social commentary, but it falls short of its potential. Despite this, Mysius's striking visuals and captivating performances make it a watchable film that leaves viewers pondering the lingering questions of its flawed interior logic. "The Five Devils" is now playing in theaters, and audiences can enjoy the immersive experience of Mysius's intriguing witch's brew.

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French writer/director Léa Mysius weaves a captivating tale of family secrets, queer romance, and time-travel in her latest film, "The Five Devils." The story follows eight-year-old Vicky, played brilliantly by Sally Dramé, who possesses a unique ability to recreate scents from memory. Vicky's quiet life in a small village at the foot of the Alps is upended when her estranged aunt Julia (Swala Emati) returns to town, stirring up memories and secrets from the past.

As Vicky discovers her unexpected connection with her aunt, she is transported back in time, where she can witness pivotal moments in her family's history. However, her time-traveling raises questions about its impact on the present and future, adding an intriguing layer of mystery to the story.

Alongside the film's supernatural elements, Mysius tackles themes of racism, sexism, homophobia, and small-town provincialism, making the story relevant and thought-provoking. The film features captivating performances from Sally Dramé and Swala Emati, while Adele Exarchopoulos portrays Vicky's mother, Joanne, with raw emotion and intensity.

The film's cinematography by Paul Guilhaume is exceptional, creating a stark contrast between the picturesque yet foreboding Alps and the catastrophic fire that bookends the film's narrative. The combination of Mysius's direction, Guilhaume's cinematography, and the striking visuals makes for a visually stunning film.

While the film's complex story is at times confusing, and some characters lack development, the film's overall mysterious and suspenseful mood keeps audiences engaged. "The Five Devils" is a haunting and thought-provoking film that explores family secrets, time-travel, and the fragility of memory. It's a must-watch for fans of supernatural thrillers and captivating dramas.

"The Five Devils" is currently playing in limited theaters and is a must-watch for film enthusiasts.