Reflection in a Dead Diamond
(dirs. Hélène Cattet & Bruno Forzani)
By: Dave Hughes
From James Bond to Jason Bourne series, spy thrillers are cinematic staples, always captivating audiences with a unique form of intrigue. Reflection in a Dead Diamond carries the basic DNA of the mysterious genre, but the film’s unique approach to storytelling is what makes it stand out and demand attention. The film doesn't tell a traditional spy story but tells one over time, its meticulous attention centered on the characters and their stories. This approach ensures that the film offers a thrilling experience that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
Reflection in a Dead Diamond centers around John D, a retired spy who is reflecting back on his life while enjoying a vacation. This unique cinematic territory is charted by the visionary Belgian duo, directors Hélène Cattet (Amer) and Bruno Forzani(The Strange Colour of Your Bodies Tears). Known for their meticulously crafted, sensory driven body horror psychological thrillers, Cattet and Forzani are the true driving force here. Their signature style is evident as John D's peace is quickly disrupted, pulling him back into the life he clearly misses. Soon his neighbor disappears, and Cattet and Forzani use John's pursuit as a canvas for their distinctive visual language. As the story progresses, it takes many twists and turns, but John D remains the consistent, complex anchor of a narrative designed to overwhelm the senses.
The influence of directors Cattet and Forzani’s roots in horror are persistent throughout this spy thriller. While the narrative remains spy-driven, the film's visceral sound design and low key dramatic lighting are distinctly borrowed from the horror genre. The storytelling also embraces a style reminiscent of David Lynch, creating a constant state of uncertainty where the audience can never be sure what is real. This Lynchian quality is immediately apparent in a few early flashback scenes, which (with their distinct lighting and atmosphere) feel as if they were lifted directly out of Twin Peaks (1990).
The gift and the curse of Reflection in a Dead Diamond is that the risks alienating an audience unwilling to pay it full attention. While this may discourage some viewers who lack the necessary patience, for those willing to invest the time, the film is immensely rewarding. The experience of trying to assemble the narrative pieces in your own mind becomes a thrilling component of the viewing itself.
Reflection in a Dead Diamond is also a film that is not afraid to pay homage to the spy films that came before. It is clearly made by people with a genuine affinity for the genre, showcasing familiar elements like high-stakes card games and cool spy equipment that could be lifted straight from any James Bond era. However, directors Cattet and Forzani do not shy away from using that equipment in ways that border on the grotesque. They appreciate the cool tech, but they use it to create scenes that many Bond fans may find genuinely disturbing. The film reserves its most chilling moments for visceral, psychological shocks that linger long after the sequence ends. This commitment to intense violence pushes the film far beyond the typical fare of the mainstream spy thriller.
It would not be a spy movie if the locations in this film were not exquisite. Most of the action takes place in a sun-drenched, stunning resort in France, the kind of luxurious setting that immediately captures the audience's attention. Yet, these opulent, polished surfaces serve as a stark contrast to John D's interior life, while the flashbacks and travel provide sweeping, geographically diverse landscapes that keep the film visually rich and engaging. Ultimately, the film's stunning and highly deliberate aesthetic choices elevate the narrative, proving the visual style is the cornerstone of its success.
Target Score: 7/10: Reflection in a Dead Diamond is a uniquely psychological spy thriller that successfully balances genre DNA with a daring, challenging approach, rewarding patient viewers with gorgeous, horror-influenced visuals. For audiences seeking a cerebral, memorable entry into the spy canon that demands engagement, this film is a worthwhile experience.