Watch The Bloodstained Butterfly

The Bloodstained Butterfly is a 1971 Italian drama and thriller film directed by Duccio Tessari. The movie, which was released a year after the famous Giallo movie, "The Bird with the Crystal Plumage," draws heavily from the same style and genre of filmmaking, which blends elements of horror and whodunit with a focus on suspense and violence.

The film begins with the brutal murder of a university student, Maria Zani, during the summer in a public park in Italy. As the police work to gather evidence and conduct an investigation, several suspects emerge, including the victim's estranged husband, her lover, and a professor who may have had an affair with her. The case becomes increasingly complicated as new clues emerge, and the suspects' motivations and alibis are brought into question.

The detectives investigating the case, Inspector Berardi (Giancarlo Sbragia) and Inspector Valentini (Wendy D'Olive), have different theories and approaches to the investigation. Berardi believes that the murderer is someone close to the victim and focuses on her relationships with the suspects. Meanwhile, Valentini believes that the key to solving the case lies in the forensic evidence collected at the crime scene.

Adding to the intrigue, Helmut Berger plays the character of Paolo, a pianist who is acquitted of a similar murder that occurred a few years earlier. Paolo becomes embroiled in the investigation after his former lover, Alessandra, the victim's roommate, is arrested as a suspect. As Paolo tries to prove Alessandra's innocence, he becomes increasingly entangled in the case and uncovers shocking secrets about the victim's personal life.

One of the unique features of The Bloodstained Butterfly is its innovative use of flashbacks and dream sequences that provide insights into the characters' motivations and emotions. The film is also notable for its moody and atmospheric soundtrack composed by Gianni Ferrio, which helps create a sense of tension and unease throughout the movie.

While The Bloodstained Butterfly adheres to the conventions of the Giallo genre, it also has a more nuanced and introspective tone than some of its contemporaries. The movie explores themes of jealousy, revenge, and the moral ambiguity of its characters, making it an intriguing and thought-provoking watch.

In conclusion, The Bloodstained Butterfly is a riveting and well-executed Giallo thriller that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Fans of the genre will appreciate the film's twisty plot, stylish visuals, and engaging performances from its talented cast. Overall, it's a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Italian horror and mystery movies.

The Bloodstained Butterfly is a 1971 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3.