L'Ete Meurtrier (aka One Deadly Summer) (1983)

When a young French girl (Isabelle Adjani) arrives in a small French village, she suddenly becomes the object of speculation because of her blatant sexuality and aloof manner. A mechanic (Alain Souchon) is attracted to her and pursues her but the girl is emotionally unstable and her arrival at the village isn't random. A tale of revenge goes horribly wrong and a domino effect brings tragic consequences to innocent people. Based on the novel by Sebastien Japrisot (who adapted his novel for the screen along with the film's director) and directed by Jean Becker. A huge box office hit and critical success in France (not replicated in the U.S.), the film is on the longish side but it's a riveting tragedy of near operatic proportions. Anchored by a superb performance by Adjani, who won the Cesar (the French Oscar) for best actress for her work here, the film goes through a series of twists and turns and we're never quite sure where it's going to end. The movie's abrupt downbeat ending may turn off those who want some kind of release but anything less would have compromised the film. An often disturbing (a graphic rape sequence is difficult to watch) film but worth seeking out. With Suzanne Flon (who won the supporting actress Cesar for her performance), Francois Cluzet, Michel Galabru, Jean Gaven, Maria Machado, Manuel Gelin and Edith Scob.