Burnt out French businesswoman Helene Masson (a fine and appealing portrayal by Annie Girardot) checks into an exclusive seaside clinic that specializes in rejuvenation treatments for rich people. Helene discovers that clinic head Dr. Devilers (an excellent and charming performance by Alain Delon) is doing some serious sinister stuff concerning said treatments,
Director/co-writer Alain Jessua relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, makes nice use of the coastal locations, grounds the premise in a credible workaday reality, and pulls out the startling stops at the dark and grim climax. Moreover, this film offers a strong and provocative subtext on man's basic fear of aging and obsession with staying young at any cost complete with a potent message on how the upper class live at the expense of the lower class. The notorious coed skinny dipping scene rates as a definite highlight. Great throbbing tribal score by Rene Koering, too. Well worth a watch.
Director/co-writer Alain Jessua relates the absorbing story at a steady pace, makes nice use of the coastal locations, grounds the premise in a credible workaday reality, and pulls out the startling stops at the dark and grim climax. Moreover, this film offers a strong and provocative subtext on man's basic fear of aging and obsession with staying young at any cost complete with a potent message on how the upper class live at the expense of the lower class. The notorious coed skinny dipping scene rates as a definite highlight. Great throbbing tribal score by Rene Koering, too. Well worth a watch.