Shudder, the popular streaming platform known for its focus on horror, thriller, and supernatural content, has made a significant move by acquiring the rights to Reflection in a Dead Diamond, the latest film from the critically acclaimed directing duo Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani. This acquisition comes ahead of the film’s highly anticipated world premiere at the prestigious Berlin Film Festival, signaling a strong vote of confidence in the project. The deal grants Shudder exclusive streaming rights in multiple territories, including North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Fans of the platform can look forward to the film’s release in 2025, further solidifying Shudder’s position as a go-to destination for genre cinema.
Reflection in a Dead Diamond promises to be a visually stunning and deeply unsettling supernatural crime film that blends elements of mystery, suspense, and psychological complexity. The story follows a debonair 70-year-old ex-spy living a luxurious but isolated life in a grand hotel on the picturesque Côte d’Azur. His seemingly idyllic existence is disrupted by the disappearance of a mysterious woman, forcing him to confront the darker corners of his past. As the narrative unfolds, the lines between reality and illusion blur, with themes of moviemaking, memories, and madness intertwining in a way that leaves viewers questioning what is real and what is imagined. The film’s premise is as intriguing as it is atmospheric, setting the stage for a cinematic experience that is both a visual feast and a emotional rollercoaster.
The film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including the renowned Italian actor Fabio Testi, a Golden Globe winner known for his memorable role in Sergio Leone’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Testi is joined by a talented group of actors, such as Yannick Renier, Koen De Bouw, Maria De Medeiros, and Céline Camara, all of whom bring their unique abilities to the project. Additionally, the film introduces Thi Mai Nguyen, a promising newcomer whose performance is sure to be a highlight. The combination of experienced veterans and fresh talent adds depth and energy to the film, ensuring that the characters are as compelling as the plot.
Hélène Cattet and Bruno Forzani, the Brussels-based directing duo behind Reflection in a Dead Diamond, have established themselves as two of the most innovative and visionary filmmakers in the genre. Known for their bold, stylistic approach and their deep love for giallo and Eurothriller cinema, they have consistently pushed the boundaries of storytelling in their work. Shudder’s Vice President of Programming, Samuel Zimmerman, has praised the duo, calling them "two of the greatest genre filmmakers in the world" and describing their latest film as "a must-see spectacle." Zimmerman, who negotiated the acquisition deal with Giulia Casavecchia of True Colours on behalf of the filmmakers, emphasized that Reflection in a Dead Diamond represents a new chapter in their career, expanding on their signature style while exploring fresh and exciting territory.
Cattet and Forzani’s previous works have garnered widespread critical acclaim, with films like Amer (2009) and The Strange Color of Your Body’s Tears (2013) earning them a reputation for cinematic excellence. They also contributed to the anthology film ABC’s of Death, further cementing their status as masters of the genre. Their 2017 film Let the Corpses Tan, which also premiered at Locarno, showcased their ability to create visually arresting and deeply unsettling narratives that leave a lasting impact on audiences. With Reflection in a Dead Diamond, the duo continues to challenge conventions, blending their signature aesthetic with new ideas to create a film that promises to be their most ambitious project yet.
The production of Reflection in a Dead Diamond is a testament to European cinema’s rich collaborative spirit, with the film being a co-production between Belgium, Luxembourg, Italy, and France. Produced by Pierre Foulon at Kozak, the film draws on the diverse creative talents of these countries to create a work that is both culturally rich and universally appealing. This collaborative approach is part of what makes the film so special, as it brings together a wide range of perspectives and expertise to create something truly unique. Shudder’s acquisition of the film further highlights the platform’s commitment to showcasing the best of European genre cinema, a strategy that has already paid off with successful films like Coralie Fargeat’s Revenge and Christian Tafdrup’s Speak No Evil. By adding Reflection in a Dead Diamond to its library, Shudder continues to establish itself as a leader in the world of horror and suspense, offering audiences access to films that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. As fans eagerly await the film’s release in 2025, the anticipation is palpable, and the expectations are high. With Cattet and Forzani at the helm and Shudder’s enthusiastic support, Reflection in a Dead Diamond is poised to be one of the most talked-about films in the genre.
