The Poisoning Angel

Last night I saw a very interesting movie (broadcast on TV5MONDE) based on fact.

Hélène Jégado (1803 - 1852) was probably one of the first, if not the very first, female serial killer in modern history. Known as Fleur de Tonnerrre she is believed to have poisoned as many as 36 people with arsenic over 18 years, hence the film's English title The Poisoning Angel.

Déborah François gives an entirely convincing performance as the beguiling chef who as a child was told by her mother that she is the bearer of Ankou (something akin to the Grim Reaper). Her mother was in fact her very first victim.

The rest of the cast follows suit and both period feel and 'look' are perfect. So is the music which is never obtrusive and in tone with the late nineteenth century.

In contrast with Hollywood crap such as Disturbed (starring Christina Ricci and John Cusack) this work directed by Stéphanie Pillonca with script by Gustave Kervern creates suspense while giving insight into a woman's disturbed psyche.