Is Beru and These Women Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1968)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 1968, Beru and These Women represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Comedy category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Inspector Bérurier, having inherited a mansion three years earlier, comes to collect rent from the tenant when the latter is murdered under mysterious circumstances. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Comedy are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "Inspector Bérurier, having inherited a mansion three years earlier, comes to collect rent from the tenant when the latter is murdered under mysterious circumstances. Béru calls Commissaire San Antonio to the rescue, and the two men discover that Laurenzi's hotel is home to a "brothel" whose director, Madame Albertine, soon reveals to the two policemen that Laurenzi was having an ongoing relationship with Helga, one of the boarders, and Mr. Max, a regular guest of the house."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Despite the inherent talent of Gérard Barray, the performance in Beru and These Women feels somewhat constrained by a narrative framework that doesn't fully exploit their range. There are flashes of brilliance, but the overall impact is muted.

The direction by Guy Lefranc is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 87 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Beru and These Women truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Comedy, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.2/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Beru and These Women explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 1968 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Guy Lefranc respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Beru and These Women is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Gérard Barray or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Beru and These Women is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.