Diabolique
1955 · Movie · NR · 118 min · ★ 7.9 · 91% critics
At a grim boarding school, two women pushed to the edge by a cruel headmaster join forces to carry out a desperate plan. But when the body vanishes and unsettling signs begin to surface, fear and suspicion spread, turning everyday routines into a tightening web of dread.
Based on She Who Was No More
Also known as The Fiends · The Devils
Where to watch
Streaming on HBO Max.
2 hours to watch.
Stream (included)
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Original title
- Les Diaboliques
- Years
- 1955
- Release date
- 1955-01-29
- Language
- French
- Rated
- NR
- Runtime
- 118 min
- Critic score
- 91/100
- TMDB rating
- 7.9/10 (1,094 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a classic, slow-building psychological thriller full of dread and second-guessing, in the vein of Vertigo or Le Corbeau; Not for you if you need fast pacing and clear-cut answers.
Pros: steadily rising tension; gripping mystery setup; strong performances | Cons: dated style for some; slow first stretch; a few plot holes
Themes
- wife
- female lover
- morgue
- swimming pool
- teacher
- plan gone wrong
- mistress
- black and white
- french noir
- boys' boarding school
- headmaster
- philanderer
- +6 more
Awards & recognition
- Louis Delluc Prize · 1954
Cast & crew
Véra Clouzot
as Christina Delassalle
Simone Signoret
as Nicole Horner
Paul Meurisse
as Michel Delassalle
Charles Vanel
as Police Inspector Alfred Fichet
Jean Brochard
as Plantiveau
Pierre Larquey
as Mr. Drain
Michel Serrault
as Mr. Raymond
Yves-Marie Maurin
as Moinet
Georges Poujouly
as Soudieu
Thérèse Dorny
as Mrs. Herboux
Directed by Henri-Georges Clouzot