Anna is a talented photographer, comfortable in her own skin. While everything seems to be working out for her, during an evening with friends, she stabs her partner, Damien, a seemingly attractive and funny man. Anna is then indicted for attempted murder. Why so much hate? How did their relationship come to this? The talented duo of directors Andréa Bescond and Éric Métayer, who notably staged the play Tickles before making a film of it, retraces in To insanity the plunge into hell of a woman under the influence of a narcissistic pervert. Incarnated with realism by Marie Gillain (prize for female interpretation at La Rochelle 2021) and Alexis Michalik, the TV movie won the prize for best screenplay at the La Rochelle Television Fiction Festival in 2021.
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The accuracy of the interpretations makes the film thrilling. Especially since despite the subject, that of psychological violence within a couple, the TV movie leaves room for humor through the characters of Noé, the policeman in charge of the investigation played by Ahmed Sylla, and the lawyer, camped by a very inspired Nicole Ferroni. Gradually, we recompose the pieces of a relationship that begins like love at first sight and a beautiful love story, before sinking into darkness. Marie Gillain offers an extraordinary interpretation of a solar woman who will approach madness under the effect of the psychological attacks of her companion.
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Without cliches
The screenplay was co-written by Éléonore Bauer, who experienced the heroine’s painful experience. A powerful text, “magnificently well written”, according to Alexis Michalik, actor and director of the plays The story bearer, The Circle of Illusionists et Edmond. We watch the noose of the narcissistic pervert close at the whim of humiliations and deprivations. And a woman cutting herself off from her friends and the world, before sinking. Gripping and chilling.
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M6 left great creative freedom to the filmmakers and it shows on the screen. We thus avoid clichés, caricatures of characters, and we touch the complexity of the human soul and the functioning of a couple. Broadcast as part of a special evening, the TV movie will be followed by two documentaries on domestic violence.
To insanity, with Marie Gillain, Alexis Michalik, Ahmed Sylla and Nicole Ferroni. On M6 Tuesday, September 6, at 9:10 p.m. Available on the Salto platform.