'The Birthday Party' Review: Léa Mysius' Tense Thriller Elevated by Monica Bellucci's Performance
By
Ryan Lattanzio
Front-window bakery material. Catches the eye, delivers the goods.
Summary
Léa Mysius' third feature 'The Birthday Party' is a tense, well-directed thriller adapted from Laurent Mauvignier's novel. The film follows Nora (Hafsia Herzi), an NGO worker whose surprise birthday party at her farmhouse turns into a nightmare when figures from the past arrive. Monica Bellucci delivers her best performance in years in this narratively predictable but superbly crafted film.
Key quotes
· 2 pulledMonica Bellucci gives her best performance in years — or at least the one most likely to travel outside of her native France
the film centers on NGO worker Nora (Hafsia Herzi...), whose surprise birthday party turns into hell on Earth when ghouls and goons from the past show up at her farmhouse
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