The 2023 French crime comedy The Crime Is Mine has arrived on BBC iPlayer, drawing praise for its light-hearted approach to murder and earning a near-perfect 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes.
A 1930s Setting and a Rising Star
Set in the 1930s, the film follows a fictional celebrated actress who rises to notoriety after being acquitted of murder in self-defence. Its storyline is loosely derived from the original 1934 play Mon crime, which had two previous American adaptations: True Confession (1937) and Cross My Heart (1946).
The central character is Madeleine, a struggling actress in Paris portrayed by Nadia Tereszkiewicz. She is charged with murdering a disreputable producer, but with the help of her friend who works as a lawyer, mounts a defence. Their scheme for fame unravels when a fellow movie star exposes the truth.
Cast and Viewer Reactions
Joining Tereszkiewicz on screen are Rebecca Marder as lawyer Pauline Mauléon, Isabelle Huppert as Odette Chaumette, Fabrice Luchini as Gustave Rabusset and Dany Boon as Fernand Palmarède. The film is spoken entirely in French with English subtitles.
One Rotten Tomatoes reviewer wrote: "Ridiculously silly, absurd and funny. What a joy! It's light-hearted and a bit of a slapstick comedy. It's a snowball; it starts lightly fun, but at the end, you just cannot laugh at it." Another viewer shared: "This film is such great fun - witty, funny and full of big personalities. Yes, it's in French with subtitles. That doesn't take away from the enjoyment at all."
A third called the film "a breath of fresh air" and "silly, glorious and beautifully acted", adding: "The best hour and forty-two minutes I have spent watching something in a very long time. A welcome break from the usual dross."
Visual Style and Availability
The Crime Is Mine is noted for its glamorous costume design and lavish sets set against the romantic backdrop of Paris during a thrilling period in film and theatre history.
The 2023 film is streaming now for free on BBC iPlayer. It can also be rented on Apple TV and Amazon Prime.
