Murderous Maids (2002)

Synopsis: A deadly tale about misguided love and the trouble it unleashes, Jean-Pierre Denis's MURDEROUS MAIDS is a surprisingly tender recounting of the "Papin Affair." Based on actual events, the film... A deadly tale about misguided love and the trouble it unleashes, Jean-Pierre Denis's MURDEROUS MAIDS is a surprisingly tender recounting of the "Papin Affair." Based on actual events, the film tells the story of the Papin sisters, Christine (Sylvie Testud) and Lea (Julie-Marie Parmentier), two young women living in the1930s in Le Mans, France. Christine, the elder of the two siblings, is overly protective of Lea, an innocent, wide-eyed youngster. As her relationship with her mother deteriorates completely, Christine goads Lea into shunning her mother as well. The pair finally secures employment as maids at the home of the Lancelins. During the day, they perform the menial daily chores that are required of them, while at night, they indulge in a passionate affair. As Christine's mind begins to spin out of control, she becomes more and more reliant on the presence and support of Lea. Meanwhile, Mrs. Lancelin begins to sense the true reason for their inseparability. One night, returning home early with her daughter, she surprises Christine, who takes out her fears on the unsuspecting Lancelins, separating the sisters once and for all. Inspired by Paulette Houdyer's book, as well as Jean Genet's classic play, Denis's film finds the truth in the tragic story, without resorting to mere shock tactics. [More]

Starring: Sylvie Testud, Julie-Marie Parmentier, Isabelle Renauld, Francois Leventhal

Starring: Sylvie Testud, Julie-Marie Parmentier, Isabelle Renauld, Francois Leventhal, Dominique Labourier, Jean-Gabriel Nordmann, Marie Donnio

Director: Jean-Pierre Denis

Director: Jean-Pierre Denis
Screenwriter: Jean-Pierre Denis, Michele Halberstadt
Producer: Laurent Petin, Michele Petin
Studio: Rialto Pictures

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