It is based on a famous 1930s play (Image: Parkland/Youtube)
Packed with humour and comedy, yet brimming with crime, this period drama invites comparisons to the likes of Only Murders in the Building for its light-hearted approach to solving a murder case.
If you’re a fan of both period dramas and crime thrillers, this film blends the two effortlessly, so much so that audiences have showered it with glowing reviews. As a result, the 2023 film has achieved a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, sitting at an impressive 98%.
The Crime Is Mine is a French crime comedy, set in the 1930s, which follows a fictional celebrated actress who rises to notoriety after being acquitted of murder in self-defence.
Its distinctive storyline is loosely inspired by the original 1934 play Mon crime, though it doesn’t remain entirely faithful to the source material. Although, the play has demonstrated its enduring appeal, having previously been adapted twice for American cinema with True Confession in 1937 and Cross My Heart in 1946.
One fan of the film wrote in a Rotten Tomatoes review: “Ridiculously silly, absurd and funny. What a joy! It’s light-hearted and a bit of a slapstick comedy. It’s a snowball; it starts lightly fun, but at the end, you just cannot laugh at it.”
The film is in French with subtitles available (Image: Parkland/Youtube)
The central character is Madeleine, a struggling actress in Paris, portrayed by Nadia Tereszkiewicz, who stands accused of murdering a disreputable producer, but with the assistance of her lawyer friend, she manages to mount a defence. However, their scheme for fame is ultimately unravelled when a fellow film star exposes the truth surrounding the death.
Starring alongside her are Rebecca Marder as Pauline Mauléon, the lawyer, Isabelle Huppert as Odette Chaumette, Fabrice Luchini as Gustave Rabusset and Dany Boon as Fernand Palmarède. The entire film is delivered in French with subtitles, though for a great many English-speaking viewers, this appeared to do little to diminish their enjoyment.
One viewer shared: “This film is such great fun – witty, funny and full of big personalities. Yes, it’s in French with subtitles.
The film was released in 2023 (Image: Parkland/Youtube)
“That doesn’t take away from the enjoyment at all. Watching this film left me feeling like I do after watching a truly excellent play – it is so deeply satisfying. I hope it is made available more widely.”
Another described the film as “a breath of fresh air” while also being “silly, glorious and beautifully acted”. They went on to write: “The best hour and forty-two minutes I have spent watching something in a very long time. A welcome break from the usual dross.”
It is also worth noting that The Crime Is Mine is widely regarded as a visual treat, boasting stunning costume design and lavish sets, all framed against the wonderfully romantic backdrop of Paris during a thrilling period for both film and theatre.
The film is available to stream now for free on BBC iPlayer. Alternatively, it can be rented on both Apple TV and Amazon Prime.