L'Empreinte de l'ange (Mark of an Angel) (2008)

86% of critics liked it
(21 reviews)
56% of users liked it
(1,270 ratings)

In a dramatic setup that recalls the opening act of Robert Wise's chiller Audrey Rose (1977), Sandrine Bonnaire (Monsieur Hire) stars as Claire, a mother terrified by the discovery that a strange woman has begun systematically following her little girl, locked within the grip of obsession. In the… More In a dramatic setup that recalls the opening act of Robert Wise's chiller Audrey Rose (1977), Sandrine Bonnaire (Monsieur Hire) stars as Claire, a mother terrified by the discovery that a strange woman has begun systematically following her little girl, locked within the grip of obsession. In the mean time, we learn more about the other woman, Elsa (Catherine Frot) - an emotionally imbalanced mother locked in a divorce battle for custody of her young son, who finds herself almost magnetically drawn to Claire's little girl after innocently glimpsing the child at a local birthday party. She's drawn not merely to observe, but to covet and ultimately possess, which sends Claire into a maelstrom of terror as she feels compelled to confront and contend with this threatening new presence, and to obtain an answer that will account for the woman's seemingly irrational behavior. But in time, it is Claire whose behavior begins to seem off-center, as she demonstrates a growing paranoia and a willingness to go to almost any length to protect herself and the little girl. Throughout the film, director Safy Nebbou plunges headfirst into a deceptively innocent and placid domestic realm of subdivisions, nursery schools and children's parks while subtly unveiling the potential for devastation that lies beneath all of it. The title phrase - "mark of an angel" - refers to the tiny indentation above the upper lip of each newborn baby, said to be an angel's thumbprint that makes each child unique. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 35 min.
Directed By: Safy Nebbou
Genres: Drama, Art House & International, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Aug 13, 2008 Wide
On DVD: Jun 23, 2009

Critic Reviews

Kent Turner, Film-Forward.com
In the proverbial perfect world, the highly prolific and award-winning French actress Catherine Frot would be as acclaimed on this side of the Atlantic as many of her compatriots.
Ryan Cracknell, Movie Views
With its subject matter, it could have easily delved into the depths of a TV movie of the week filled with melodramatics and distant characterizations.
Kevin Maher, Sunday Times (UK)
It's smart, seductive stuff that taps the primal power of maternal grief.
Philip French, Observer [UK]
For 45 minutes, this smooth thriller is genuinely intriguing. But it then begins to unravel, ending up in an unsatisfactory manner.
Charlotte O'Sullivan, This is London
Films like this - taut, expertly paced - are invariably dubbed Hitchcockian.
Allan Hunter, Daily Express
Director Safy Nebbou retains a tight control of pace and mood as nerves are strained and the truth becomes apparent.
Philip De Semlyen, Empire Magazine
Unsettling drama with powerful central performances.
Dave Calhoun, Time Out
Nebbou quietly marshals claustrophobia and tension without encroaching on more bombastic thriller territory.
James Mottram, Film4
A lot of effort is put into an intriguing first half by writer-director Nebbou. Unfortunately, this never quite pays off in the finale which fails to leave its mark on you.
Kevin Maher, Times [UK]
Typically, it's smart, seductive stuff that taps the primal power of maternal grief.
Andrew Pulver, Guardian [UK]
A moving, assured portrayal of a damaged woman in a film following in the coolly measured steps of I've Loved You So Long.
Tim Robey, Daily Telegraph
While Nebbou switches gears adroitly, as do his subtle and skilled leading ladies, the way the story is wrapped up feels abrupt and cursory, almost a pretext for its suggestive first act.
James Bramble, Little White Lies
Mark of an Angel is formulaic in form and function, but it's a nuanced and intriguing addition to the metier.
Rob Daniel, Sky Movies
This third act fumble knocks an unusual four star thriller down to a two star misfire.
Tom Dawson, Total Film
Predictable in places, but there's much to savour here: dedicated performances, an atmospheric score, unsettling set-pieces (which are all viewed from Elsa's troubled perspective)... and above all a satisfying sense of ambiguity.
Christopher Tookey, Daily Mail [UK]
This is a curious and unusual film, but unfortunately more admirable than enjoyable.
, Sun Online
Mark Of An Angel is a bunny boiler that never heats up.
Karl French, Financial Times
There are flaws in plotting and pacing but this is always interesting.
Anthony Quinn, Independent
In Mark Of An Angel the misdirection is sometimes subtle, sometimes not so, but director Safy Nebbou in the end deserves the benefit of the doubt for just about preserving credibility when the plot goes into a wild reverse skid.
Matthew Turner, ViewLondon
Superbly directed, powerfully acted and unbearably suspenseful French drama that exerts a vice-like emotional grip throughout.