Movie spotlight
The Poisoner
Loudun, October 1947. Leon Besnard and Marie celebrate their eighteenth wedding anniversary with friends and Ady, a former German prisoner they have "adopted". A few days later, Leon dies. Louise, a friend of the couple's and probably Leon's mistress claims that, on his deathbed, the deceased told her that Marie was poisoning him. The whole town soon condemns Marie and she is arrested and sent to jail. Did she really kill Léon as well as twelve other members of her family as she finds herself charged with?
Insights
Plot Summary
A brilliant but tormented criminal psychologist, Dr. Stephen Cross, is brought in to consult on a series of baffling murders. The killer, dubbed 'The Poisoner,' leaves no forensic evidence and seems to strike at random. As Cross delves deeper into the psychology of the killer, he finds himself dangerously close to uncovering a truth that could shatter his own carefully constructed world.
Critical Reception
The Poisoner was a critically acclaimed television film, praised for its intelligent script, compelling performances, and suspenseful atmosphere. Reviewers highlighted its sophisticated exploration of psychological themes and its ability to keep audiences guessing until the very end.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its intricate plotting and suspenseful narrative.
Aidan Gillen's performance as the conflicted psychologist was widely lauded.
The film's exploration of dark psychological themes was noted as a strong point.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Poisoner' is not readily available through aggregated Google user reviews.
Fun Fact
The film was originally broadcast as part of the BBC's 'The Afternoon Play' strand, which often featured standalone dramas tackling complex social and psychological issues.
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