Jean-Pierre Denis' 2000 Murderous Maids is restrained, methodical, and unsettling in its retelling of the story of the Papin sisters, two young maids who murdered their employers.The film is quiet and poised on the surface, just like the two protagonists, and the emotional, social, and erotic disturbances simmer throughout. The dominant sister, Christine, is on the brink of confused despair throughout, and although her character was remote, the actress portrayed such a mix of vulnerability and rage that she emerged as complex and even sympathetic.
The incestuous relationship between the sisters was interesting to me, but somehow the obsession and loneliness that seemed critical to their bond was not relayed fully enough. I guess the intimacy of their connection remained private and hidden, and I wanted to understand it more.
The violent murder includes gouging out the employers' eyes, and this was so intense for me. It seemed that in their horrific outburst, all their rage and shame and frustration was senselessly let loose, all the emotion that was not revealed throughout the movie just suddenly erupted.
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