Watch Le Cri du hibou

Le Cri du hibou is a French mystery-thriller film released in 1987, directed by Claude Chabrol and starring Christophe Malavoy, Mathilda May, and Jacques Penot. The movie is based on the novel of the same name by Patricia Highsmith. The film follows Robert, a man in his thirties who moves to a small town after a failed marriage and a nervous breakdown. He becomes obsessed with a young woman named Juliette, who lives in a house overlooking a pond. One night, after seeing a light on in Juliette's house, Robert goes to investigate and is discovered by her boyfriend, Patrick. A fight ensues, and Robert kills Patrick in self-defense. However, when the police investigate the scene, they find no evidence of a struggle or a body, leading Robert to question his own sanity.

As the story unfolds, Robert begins to have bizarre experiences, including strange dreams and haunting visions of Patrick. He becomes increasingly convinced that he is being framed for the murder and that Juliette is somehow involved. The tension and suspense build as Robert's paranoia and delusions escalate.

The film explores themes of obsession, mental illness, and the blurred line between reality and fantasy. The cinematography captures the eerie atmosphere of the small town and the haunting beauty of the surrounding countryside, adding to the film's unsettling tone. The characters are complex and well-developed, with the standout performance by Mathilda May as the enigmatic and potentially dangerous Juliette.

Le Cri du hibou is a gripping psychological thriller that keeps the audience guessing until the very end, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the viewer on edge. Chabrol's direction and the strong performances from the cast create a compelling and engaging film that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, Le Cri du hibou is a haunting and suspenseful film that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche. It is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and fans of Chabrol's work.