DIABOLIQUE (1996)

I've always really loved this movie since seeing it as a young queer impressionable youth. I of course learned to absolutely worship Sharon Stone (Basic Instinct) in her cold, campy, iciness. But even more than that this film is as absolutely delicious guilty pleasure. Although I've never seen the original classic this one centers around two women living in a posh boarding school. Mia played by an ethereal Isabella Adjani (Possession) is constantly berated and emotionally abused by her awful husband played by a monstrous Chazz Palminteri (Usual Suspects) who just so happens to be having an affair with one of the school's teacher Nicole (Stone). The two women are surprisingly friends and hatch a plan to murder the husband which they seemingly do until his body disappears and a mystery begins. Kathy Bates (Misery)  also stars as a charasmatic detective. The movie is flooded with the campfest dialogue like "you should try praying, wear your knees out that way for a change". It's just delicious and criminally underseen. Aside from the amazing camp the film is ultra stylish from its gorgeous retro inspired cinematography to the 60s inspired wardrobe worn perfectly by the gorgeous Sharon Stone. It's also a surprisingly immersive and suspenseful ride. The twists are unique and intriguing and the movie is always entertaining.

Budget: $39m
Box Office: $17m

4.25/5