MOVIE REVIEW FRIDAYS: Diabolique

Henri-Georges Clouzot’s Diabolique is a haunting psychological thriller that’s widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films of its time. It is extremely instrumental in the delevepmont of modern horror, Willaim Castle credits it as the inspiration for the next part in his directoing Career, Hitchcock tried buying the rights of the novel and only missed out by a few hours

Monsters/Villains: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (7.9)

The villain in Diabolique doesn’t come in the form of traditional monsters but instead lies in human cruelty and manipulation. Michel (Paul Meurisse), the sadistic headmaster, is a thoroughly detestable antagonist whose behavior sets the film’s events into motion. However, the real "monster" of the film might be its shocking twist, which leaves you questioning everyone and everything. The psychological torment and the lurking menace of betrayal make this one of the most terrifying “villains” in cinema.

Actors/Characters: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.1)

Simone Signoret and Véra Clouzot shine as Nicole and Christina. Their contrasting personalities—Nicole’s cold and calculated demeanor against Christina’s fragile vulnerability—bring a rich dynamic to the story. Paul Meurisse’s Michel is perfectly detestable, adding tension every time he’s on screen. The performances anchor the film’s psychological tension, making the characters' fear and distrust palpable.

Story: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.3)

The story is masterfully crafted, pulling viewers into a web of deceit, fear, and psychological torment. The plot's pacing is deliberate, building suspense as the women execute their plan and then unravel as things go awry. The final twist is legendary. While it can be a bit slow, the payoff is worth every second.

JOE SCORE: 🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖🤖 (8.8) Overall: (8.27)

Diabolique is a near-perfect thriller that blends suspense, horror, and psychological drama. It avoids cheap scares and gore, relying instead on atmosphere, character dynamics, and its unforgettable twist to create lasting dread. For fans of classic cinema or psychological horror, it’s a must-watch. Diabolique is proof that human fear and manipulation can be far scarier than any supernatural monster. It’s a chilling reminder of how betrayal and cruelty can haunt us.

Overall: (8.27)

The Exorcist (9.25)

1. Psycho (9.22)

2. Abbott & Costello Meet Frankenstein (9.0)

3. The Omen (1976) (8.45)

4. Salem’s Lot (8.4)

5. The Ghost & Mr Chicken (8.32)

6. It (2017) (8.3)

7. Rosemary’s Baby (8.28)

8. Diabolique (8.27)

9. The Phantom of the Opera (1925) (8.08)

10. Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) (8.07)

11. The Wolfman (1941) (7.98)

12. The Lost Boys (7.97)

13. The Thing (1982) (7.67)

14. The Fog (7.5)

15. Homicidal (7.12)

16. Dead Silence (6.7)

17. Halloween (1978) (6.65)

18. Ernest Scared Stupid (5.35)

19. Monster Squad (5.22)