The Crime is Mine

French director François Ozon (Swimming Pool; 8 Women) is at his most playful in this sparkling retro confection inspired by classic Hollywood screwball comedies of the 1930s.  In The Crime is Mine, Madeleine (Nadia Tereszkiewicz, Only the Animals), a young, penniless and untalented actress, is accused of  murdering a famous producer.  With the help of her best friend, Pauline (Rebecca Marder, A Radiant Girl), a young unemployed lawyer, Madeline decides not to argue her (actual) innocence, instead taking credit and pleading self-defense for publicity’s sake.  Notoriety and success is achieved … but what if the real killer turns up to steal back that ill-gotten fame?   Plush ’30s period trappings, rising French film stars and several welcome familiar faces adorn this wildly comedic soufflé that puts a distinctly modern and biting spin on a satire reminiscent of Chicago. Arriving to the party fashionably late is legendary Oscar-nominee Isabelle Huppert (Elle) in hilariously rare form as “Madame Odette,” a flamboyant gorgon who’s like an Edward Gorey drawing come to life. (Dir. by François Ozon, 2023, France, in French with English subtitles, 102 mins., Not Rated)

Other festivals: Festival Premiers Plans d’Angers, Unifrance Rendez-vous