Diabolique
Performance & Direction: Diabolique Review
Last updated: January 26, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Diabolique (1955) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.9/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Thriller.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Thriller is often anchored by its ensemble, and Diabolique features a noteworthy lineup led by Véra Clouzot . Supported by the likes of Simone Signoret and Paul Meurisse , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: The lead actors exhibit a remarkable range, navigating the emotional peaks and valleys of their respective characters with a precision that makes every motivation feel earned.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Diabolique (1955) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.9/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
Story & Plot Summary: Diabolique
Quick Plot Summary: Diabolique is a Thriller, Mystery film that builds tension through unpredictable twists and keeps audiences guessing until the final reveal. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
The plot weaves a complex web of mystery and suspense. The cruel and abusive headmaster of a boarding school, Michel Delassalle, is murdered by an unlikely duo -- his meek wife and the mistress he brazenly flaunts. The women become increasingly unhinged by a series of odd occurrences after Delassalle's corpse mysteriously disappears. Information is revealed strategically, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together clues alongside the protagonist. The narrative maintains momentum through well-timed revelations and unexpected turns.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: The opening scene plants the seeds of mystery, introducing questions that will drive the narrative forward.
- Character Arc: The protagonist undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: All mysteries converge in a climax that recontextualizes earlier events and delivers satisfying answers.
Ending Explained: Diabolique
Ending Breakdown: Diabolique resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to thriller resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes, creating a memorable conclusion that audiences have responded to positively.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the thriller themes in a way that feels organic to the story.
The final moments of Diabolique demonstrate careful narrative planning, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Diabolique?
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of Thriller cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate gripping suspense and clever plot twists
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Top Cast: Diabolique
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Where to Watch Diabolique Online?
Streaming HubDiabolique Parents Guide & Age Rating
1955 AdvisoryWondering about Diabolique age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Diabolique is 117 minutes (1h 57m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.9/10, and global performance metrics, Diabolique is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1955 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Diabolique worth watching?
Diabolique is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Thriller movies. It has a verified rating of 7.9/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Diabolique parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Diabolique identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Diabolique?
The total duration of Diabolique is 117 minutes, which is approximately 1h 57m long.
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Critic Reviews for Diabolique
I have only seen but two of Clouzot's films (this and the equally brilliant 'The Wages of Fear'), but I understand immediately what connoisseurs mean when they say he's the French Alfred Hitchcock. He has an innate and unbelievably vivid and accurate take on human nature. I can't wait to check out the rest of his oeuvre.
The keys in the pool, the husband in the morgue! You dream too much about water in this house! Headmaster of a boarding school, Michel Delaselle (Paul Meurisse) is a brooding bully of a man, one day his wife and mistress decide enough is enough and plot to kill him, trouble is that once they murder him, his body disappears and reported sightings of him are adding to the ladies' paranoia. Thus is the setting for director Henri-Georges Clouzot's brilliant suspenser. The pace is stiflingly perfect, he gently racks up the tension, neatly toying with audience expectation, the sense of dread that hangs in the air is palpable. How refreshing it is to see a suspense film actually build its plot for a good hour? In this day and age the MTV generation would be walking out of this after 30 minutes. Armand Thirard's atmospheric photography accentuates the creeping menace like mood, to the point that when we get to the last 15 minutes, nerves are already frayed and we then of course get what is arguably the greatest bath scene ever, and "that" ending... When I first watched it back in 2008 it was on a poor quality DVD, but revisiting it on Blu-ray it still worked me over as the great suspense movie it is, forcing me to seek the solace of daylight ASAP. Great writing, great directing, great acting, the latter thriving due to Simone Signoret's dangerously simmering sexuality and Véra Clouzot's heartfelt vulnerability. It's one of the classic chillers of European cinema. And if you haven't seen it yet? Do what I did last night, get the Blu-ray, turn off the lights and just have a couple of candles flickering away in your peripheral vision. Maybe indulge in some stiff drinks like I did, and most of all, watch it on your own... 9/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
