Watch Malevil

In the post-apocalyptic world, the movie Malevil from 1981, directed by Christian de Chalonge, envisions the survival of humanity in a French countryside castle following a nuclear disaster. The movie is based on the novel Malevil by Robert Merle. The main character, Emmanuel 'Manu' Comte, played by Michel Serrault, is the owner of the castle, a wealthy middle-aged businessman who is at his castle for a weekend getaway with friends, when the disaster hits. His closest companions are the local veterinarian, Peyrac (Jacques Dutronc), and a peasant farmer, Momo (Jacques Villeret). They all retreat to the castle, summoning any other survivors they can find along the way, to band together in their time of adversity.

The castle proves to be a source of safety and protection for the group, and even becomes a base for the rebirth of humanity. The tension and stakes are high when the survivors are forced to decide if they should start anew or wait for help to arrive.

The characters' reactions to the situation are intense and relatable. The writers of the movie do a great job of showing the human reactions when faced with the (almost) extinction of their species. There are moments of triumph and joy, despair and fear. Despite the grave circumstances, there are moments of humor to lighten the mood.

The film holds up well in its depiction of the darkness of humanity in times of crisis. It's fascinating to observe the different personalities and psychological reactions to the extreme scenario. Some people become irrational and aggressive, while others try to maintain control and make rational decisions.

The performances are exceptional. Michel Serrault is a standout as Manu, who emerges as the natural leader in the castle. Jacques Dutronc plays Peyrac, a man who is knowledgeable in various fields, from medicine to psychology, and becomes the main advisor to Manu. And finally, Jacques Villeret as Momo, who brings some comic relief to otherwise intense situations.

In Malevil, the setting of the castle proves an excellent backdrop for the story's themes. The castle becomes both a refuge and a microcosm of the world. The characters try to adjust to this new environment, which requires that they relinquish their old ways of living and learn to coexist while maintaining their unique identities.

The film's pacing is appropriate, providing an adequate build-up to the climax, which itself is sufficiently fulfilling. The film's visuals are also well thought out, from the setting of the castle to the use of landscape shots. The cinematographer did a great job, adding to the overall atmosphere and providing aesthetically pleasing compositions.

Overall, Malevil is an exploratory movie that seeks to understand what people might do when faced with such a dire situation. It shows how humans can find ways to cope in the face of adversity and create a new world order. The interactions and bonds between the characters are heartwarming, and the film itself is a showcase of the human experience. It's a thought-provoking movie that's well worth watching.

Malevil is a 2008 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 3 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.