La mort mystérieuse de Nina Chéreau (1988) - full transcript
A young psychiatrist tries to help a young woman in an asylum who has been accused of having killed a teenage girl. But when she escapes and he goes after her, he finds himself involved in a mystery far greater than simply a woman thought to be insane. And the more he finds out about her, and her relationship to a mother who no longer will have anything to do with her, the more he finds that he is dealing with something terribly unnatural... which leads to a final resolution and revelation that makes the film not only unpredictable, but haunting as well.
Oh, god!
No!
...her name was Nina.
She was my best friend
in the world.
When we... were in our
Joan of Arc phase,
we used to sit by the hour
in the cathedral St. John,
waiting to hear heavenly
voices.
Guess I was crazy
even then.
Did you hear voices?
No.
Then I guess you
weren't crazy.
Go on.
I was never happier
than those times
in the cathedral.
The candles everywhere.
Wax and incense heavy
in the air.
The murmur of old women
saying prayers.
It felt so comfortable.
So safe and secure.
Let's get to the dinner
party that night
at the Villa Capri.
Nina was there with you,
wasn't she?
Um, yes.
She was spending the night.
We had... um...
Helped prepare for an
important dinner party.
Laid the table.
Candlesticks with a white
lace tablecloth...
Best china, all black,
trimmed in gold...
Red crystal goblets...
Can't remember...
Can't you?
No.
The china
was very rare...
It was all black...
And the wine goblets were
very, very precious...
Red crystal...
Oh, please don't make me
go on...
Six months ago.
...i remember silver
candlesticks and black
china...
Go on.
And red goblets...
Yes.
I can't remember.
Three months ago.
There were black china
plates on a lace tablecloth.
Red wine goblets...
Two weeks ago.
We don't seem to be making
much progress, do we?
After seven months
of seeing you three times
a week, I still don't know
much more about you than
what's written in your file.
Normal childhood,
normal adolescence,
and then judged insane
and confined for life for
the murder of Nina Chereau.
It doesn't make sense.
Something is missing.
Don't you think I'm insane?
No, I don't.
Oh, but I killed
Nina Chereau!
Did you?
Oh, god!
I don't know.
But you can find out.
How?
By not being a coward
anymore.
By having the strength
and courage to confront
what happened that night...
I can't.
I can't.
You can, Ariel.
I know you can.
Why do you believe in me
when I don't even believe
in myself?
Because I believe in myself.
I'm a damned good doctor
and I expect you to be
a damned good patient.
Otherwise, I don't want
to play.
Okay?
What are you doing?
You and I are going
to play "let's pretend".
Let's pretend you are
back at the Villa Capri
that night.
This will be the table...
We'll pretend there's a lace
tablecloth.
These are the plates.
These are the goblets.
The candles are flick--
that's not right.
What?
That plate.
It's broken.
The plate's broken.
I was out of the room
getting flowers when
suddenly I heard a crash and...
When I came back inside,
Nina was standing
by the plate.
She was crying.
And Suzanne...
Suzanne?
My mother.
She hated growing old
and wanted people to think
we were sisters,
so she made me call her
Suzanne.
She suddenly appeared.
I don't know where she
came from.
She had a knife...
She's standing next
to Nina!
God, no!
No! No!
No... oh!
Oh, help me!
Help me, please!
I will, I swear I will.
It's time for your next
patient, doctor.
Thank you.
It's a little bit dark
in here.
Perhaps I should--
leave them.
It's how I want them.
Of course, doctor.
What do you think would
happen if you saw
your mother again?
She doesn't want to have
anything to do with me.
She's never written me,
she's never come to see me.
Don't you think that's
strange?
No, I'm supposed
to be crazy.
Supposed to be?
I think we're making
progress after all.
I hope my work has been
satisfactory.
It has been controversial,
to say the least.
Rarely have my colleagues
been so emotional as when
discussing your work.
Considering most of them
were dying of smug
complacency,
I take credit for
reminding them they're alive.
Does that include me?
I have never had any
doubts about your existence,
doctor Dumont.
I see where you have made
a recommendation to the
medical committee that
Ariel Dubois might be
ready for transfer
to a private clinic.
That's right.
You seem to take
a particular interest
in the case of Ariel Dubois.
Yes.
Or is it in Ariel Dubois
herself?
I resent that, doctor.
She's not an unattractive
woman.
And you're still quite
inexperienced as
a psychiatrist.
It's not unknown in such
cases that personal feelings
affect professional judgment.
I have never behaved
in anything less than
a professional manner
towards my patient.
Nevertheless, she responds
to you more openly than
to any other doctor since
she's been here.
I'm not surprised.
I treat her as a human
being and not a character
in a horror story.
She killed a girl in
a particularly horrifying way,
doctor Bennett.
She was brought to us
in a straitjacket and
remained in one for months,
despite massive doses
of thorazine.
Welcome to the middle ages.
Let's invite the aristocracy
out to laugh at the lunatics.
She was a threat--
not only to others
but to herself.
We're here to help her,
you know.
I do know.
I sometimes wonder
if I'm the only one who does.
Now it's my turn
to resent you, doctor.
Look.
All my observations
lead to the conclusion
that Ariel Dubois
is not insane.
Traumatized, yes.
Emotionally overwrought, yes.
But mad, no.
She is sick,
but I can cure her.
And how do you propose
doing that?
Ariel can only go so far
confronting the events
on the night of the murder,
then she's blocked.
That block has something
to do with her mother.
I propose to bring
her mother here and--
that's impossible.
You've read the files.
The mother chose
deliberately to disappear
after the murder.
She changed her name.
She desires to remain
anonymous.
The only reason I have
her address is in case
of Ariel's death.
She wants nothing
to do with her daughter.
Exactly why I consider it
my duty to my patient
to make her change her mind.
Yes?
I see.
Thank you.
The medical committee
has unanimously rejected
your recommendation
concerning Ariel Dubois.
If you built up false hopes,
your patient will be
very upset by this news.
I suggest you consider
ways of rebuilding
her confidence.
How?
By telling her that
in the opinion
of the so-called experts,
she's insane and better
learn to live with it?
Well, I don't believe that,
doctor Dumont.
I entered this profession
to help people...
And I intend to help
Ariel Dubois.
You should be in bed.
I couldn't sleep.
I heard the bad news.
I'm sorry.
Are you?
I am.
Really.
I like you.
You know that.
Nobody likes me.
Don't say that.
I like you.
I really do.
Do you...
Like me?
What's the matter?
You said you liked me,
didn't you?
Come on, relax...
Relax...
Oh, no!
Can I help you?
You want to buy something?
Uh, no... I mean, yes.
Yes, I do.
That's a very,
very interesting necklace
you have.
I'm afraid it's the only
thing here not for sale.
Of course not.
I meant, uh...
It's a very interesting
design.
It is based on
the coat-of-arms
of the Bathory family.
You know the story
of Elizabeth Bathory?
No, not really.
I think I've heard of her.
The female counterpart
of bluebeard.
Killed over 600 young women
in her day.
I must have her confused
with someone else.
Probably.
On the other hand,
there is said to be people
'round today who still
worship her memory
with weird rituals
and ceremonies.
I have a book about it here.
I think I'd like to buy it.
It is rather expensive.
300 francs.
That's all right.
She was a Hungarian countess
in the late middle ages
who had an obsession
with growing old.
She believed that bathing
in the blood of young women
would keep her eternally young
so she would never die.
Ah, here it is...
The cult of Elizabeth Bathory.
There was a case in this
town some years ago...
Yes?
I'd like to speak
to madame Dubois, please.
You must have
the wrong address.
There is no one here
by that name.
Then I will speak
to madame lafont.
Madame lafont is not here.
I'll wait.
She's not here, I tell you.
I'm not leaving until
I see madame Dubois.
I tell you, there is no
madame Dubois here!
Mathias.
What is this disturbance?
I'm sorry, madame.
This man forced his way--
my name is doctor
Martin Bennett.
I'm a psychiatrist.
One of my patients
is Ariel Dubois...
Your daughter.
You must be mistaken.
I have no daughter.
Mathias...
Last night, she escaped
from the asylum,
and I have reason to believe
she's coming here to find you.
Leave us, Mathias.
Yes, madame.
How long have you
been Ariel's doctor?
For six months.
That's time enough to know
that she's an extremely
dangerous person.
Are you afraid of her?
Is that why you haven't
contacted her in all
these years?
She's totally insane.
No.
She is not...
In my opinion.
That's an opinion
that flies in the face
of the distinguished
medical and legal advisors
who put her away.
It is.
Do you know what she did?
I know what happened.
You may think so,
but believe me, doctor,
you can't possibly imagine
what really happened.
I've read all the reports.
And Ariel has been
quite frank...
Has she?
As much as she can without
your help.
My help?
When Ariel talks about
the night of Nina Chereau's
death--
murder.
She gets so far and then
there is a block.
I believe it involves you.
I'd like you to talk to her.
I know you can help her.
You may be amused,
but you may have no choice
in the matter.
Now that Ariel has escaped,
I think she'll be coming
to see you herself.
Why?
Well, you are her mother,
madame Dubois.
Don't ever call me that!
If she's escaped,
surely the police
are looking for her.
They are.
But they won't help her.
Only you can do that.
No.
No, I can't.
Nobody can.
Not even you.
She is beyond the help
of anybody.
Don't you care
about her at all?
I wish she'd never
been born!
Mathias.
Madame?
Show doctor Bennett out.
And if he refuses to leave,
call the police.
Who are you?
What are doing in my room?
Police.
Inspector marais.
This is my assistant reverdy.
Like you, we are looking
for Ariel Dubois.
Have you found her?
Not yet.
Good.
You sound relieved.
Well, I'm not unhappy
that she's not under arrest.
Are you saying that
if she contacts you,
you will not notify
the police?
She is my patient
and needs help...
Not handcuffs.
In the first place,
she is a criminal.
She escaped from
a state asylum.
In my opinion,
she should have never been
there in the first place.
I agree with you, doctor.
They should have executed her.
Now, if Ariel Dubois
would contact you
in any way,
if you do not inform
the police immediately,
I will put you under arrest
for helping an escaped
criminal.
Her name was Nina.
Her name was Nina.
She was my best friend.
She was my best friend.
She was my best friend.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
She had a knife...
She had a knife.
She had a knife!
Help me...
Help me.
Help me...
What--?
What are you doing here?
Thanking god I found you.
How did you find me here?
I followed the clues
in your analysis.
You always felt safe
and secure here, remember?
It's true, I do...
No one else could know
you'd come to this place.
I'm never going back, never.
If that's why you're here--
it isn't.
I've been trying to help you
get out of there, remember?
Thank you.
It's so wonderful
to be free.
But you're not
really free, Ariel.
Oh, I know the police
are after me, but if i--
I'm not talking about that.
Until you discover
what happened the night
of Nina's death,
you will never be free.
Let me get away.
No.
Why?
Because I care for you.
I'm your doctor...
And your friend.
And I so want you to be happy.
Happy?
How can someone like me
be happy?
I've seen your mother
and I'm convinced she can
help us discover the truth.
Please see this through.
Take my car.
If anything happens,
you'll have a means
of getting away.
I don't want
to get away now...
How do we stay in contact?
It's not safe to phone
my hotel...
Why don't we meet here
tomorrow at the same time?
Okay.
Excuse me, monsieur,
but you look like a book lover.
What?
I have a little shop
in the quarter.
Collectors usually find
something of interest there.
No, thank you.
A pity.
I thought you might find
something of value
for your girlfriend...
Where's your shop?
Okay.
What's your game?
A game, monsieur?
I'm not a gambler.
I am a businessman.
I sell things.
Like information?
Not if it is more
profitable to sell books.
For example, um...
This one your friend
asked about.
Let's drop the charade.
My "friend" was never in here.
But she was, monsieur.
We were discussing
the blood cult
of Elizabeth Bathory.
For her I climbed that ladder
to get this book...
It hurts me when I climb
the ladder.
I don't forget her.
How much?
Six... thousand francs.
Oh, monsieur!
Don't forget your book.
Who knows?
You might even read it one day.
What are you selling
this time?
Monsieur Albert...
This.
You expect to get money
for a piece of junk like this?
It is quite old...
And quite rare.
Objet d'art.
A unique piece of craftsmanship
from a vanished age.
Madame is well known
as a collector.
Which is, uh, naturally why
I thought of her when...
Such a doll came into my hands.
Naturally.
Everyone knows madame
has such style, such taste...
Such money.
2,000 francs, madame.
Surely not such a great deal
for such a beautiful doll...
You're sweating,
monsieur Albert...
You must make yourself
comfortable.
Thank you, madame...
Perhaps 1,800 francs would do.
That Jewel you're wearing!
Mathias!
Mathias!
Get him out of here!
Pay him anything he wants,
but get him out of my sight!
But, madame...
Doctor Bennett.
He says that he has
a personal message
from a third party.
Yes?
I'd like to apologize
for the way I acted
this morning.
I should have realized
how shocking the news
of Ariel's escape
would have been for you.
It was, uh, a surprise.
I saw her today.
Did you?
She's all right...
She sends you her love.
Where is she?
Safe for the moment.
But that's what I need
to talk to you about.
What do you mean?
Since you know her
better than I do--
better than anybody--
I need your advice.
My advice?
Yes.
That's right.
There are things about
that night I don't know
and if you told me about them,
maybe I'd have a different
perspective on Ariel.
I'm sure you would.
Will you talk to me?
Please?
All right.
The cafe de la chapelle?
Do you know where it is?
Tomorrow at 3:00?
I'll be there.
Excuse me, monsieur.
These look like
fresh flowers.
Yes, monsieur.
Did you put them there?
No, monsieur.
Do you know who did?
Each Friday, before midday,
someone takes the old flowers
away and puts fresh ones
in their place.
I wonder who still
remembers Nina Chereau?
I do not know, monsieur.
Ah.
Yesterday, a white citroen.
I checked the registration.
It's yours.
And a blue Renault today.
Why?
It broke down.
I'm having it repaired.
Ah.
Which garage?
I don't remember.
You intellectuals--
you really make me sick.
A degree, some letters after
your name, and you think
you're so much smarter
than any dumb cop, don't you?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
The murder of poor
Nina Chereau.
That's what I'm talking about.
That was my first job.
I was young and inexperienced.
And there was a report
of violence at the Villa Capri
and I was sent there.
It looked like the remains
of some obscene ceremony.
Black plates,
burning candles...
And blood everywhere...
On the floor, the walls.
And the body of Nina Chereau...
Or what was left of it.
She had been sliced open.
As if she was a sacrifice...
In some sick ritual.
I never will forget it...
Nor the one who did it.
Now, you understand.
Well, when I arrest the girl,
doctor, I will personally
return your car
when I come to arrest you.
Terrible accident.
Sorry I'm late.
I saw something horrible.
This little girl.
She's dead.
How sad.
At least she'll avoid
the horror of growing old.
What kind of a woman
are you?
A cursed one.
She's here?
Ariel!
Ariel, wait!
Wait!
She tried to kill me!
You should've warned me.
I couldn't!
Why? Why?
You knew she was coming!
Why didn't you tell me?
I took a chance.
I thought if you two met,
it would all come out
in the open and you'd be free!
What am I to you?
Some experiment?
Some stupid game?
I hate you!
Ariel, don't!
What is it, Ariel?
When I saw her,
I felt everything...
Fall away.
All I could remember
was that...
That night and Nina
on the floor covered in blood.
And Suzanne with a... knife,
rubbing blood on her face.
She's alive.
Who?
Elizabeth Bathory.
She is alive.
You mean Suzanne?
Oh, Martin.
I don't hate you.
I love you.
Help, Ariel!
Help me!
Help!
Help me, please!
Help me!
I'm slip-- I'm slipping!
Help!
Help me!
Help!
Help, I'm slipping!
Help!
I should let you drop.
Haul him up.
You saved my life.
Yes, but now I'm placing
you under arrest.
For helping a wanted criminal.
Come on.
You knew that she would
come back one day, didn't you?
You knew that...
Knew that you could
never escape from her!
That she would never
leave you alone--
never!
In peace...
In peace?
Look at you...
Ruined!
Old!
Old before your time
and all because of her!
That bitch!
I hate her!
Well, good morning,
doctor Bennett.
Morning.
Did you sleep well?
No.
Good.
I see you're interested
in the blood cult
of Elizabeth Bathory.
Where did you get that?
In your hotel room.
I have a search warrant.
Tell me, doctor.
Is that where you get
your ideas for treating
Ariel Dubois?
Of course not.
That's just a bunch
of mystical mumbo-jumbo.
Is it?
So, you are free to go now,
doctor.
I am?
Yes.
It is not you I want
to see in a cage.
It is Ariel Dubois.
You're wrong about that,
inspector.
Am I?
Yes, you are.
But I bet I'm right
about something else.
Something as a psychiatrist
you will be able to confirm
beyond a doubt.
And what is that?
That I'm obsessed
with Ariel Dubois...
But so are you.
And I intend to use
your obsession to satisfy
my own.
Understand?
All right.
Let him out.
Doctor Bennett.
Doctor Dumont.
What are you doing here?
I've come to ask you
to return to the asylum
with me.
I'm afraid I can't
do that right now, doctor.
I'm afraid you'll have to.
We can't afford the bad
publicity of one of our staff
assisting an escaped inmate
to remain at large.
Then I offer my resignation
as of right now.
Doctor Bennett,
consider your career.
The hell with my career!
Doctor.
What's happening to you?
Ignorance.
Stupidity.
Narrow-mindedness.
The persecution of
an innocent woman and
the twisted mind of another!
That's what's happening to me!
Doctor, you need to rest.
Come with me, now--
I'm not going anywhere until
I prove Ariel's innocence.
All right.
Today is Friday.
Stay the weekend--
what did you say?
I said, stay the weekend--
Friday?
Today is Friday?
Mathias!
Mathias!
He's not here.
Mathias!
He's at the cemetery
putting fresh flowers on
the grave of Nina Chereau.
Get out of here!
As he does every week.
Why is that, madame Dubois?
Leave me alone!
Because of guilt?
Is there something in your past
you feel guilty about,
madame Dubois?
Of should I call you
mademoiselle?
Since you hate the fact
of growing old.
No! No!
How did Nina die?
I don't know!
Yes, you do.
No!
You killed her, didn't you?
No!
She was mutilated
with a knife.
No!
And you did it because
of Elizabeth Bathory...
No!
Some sick ceremony
to worship a dead monster...
No!
Elizabeth Bathory lives!
Of course she does.
And she is now 400 years old,
kept forever young
by bathing in the blood
of young virgins...
It's true!
It's true!
You insane monster.
Madame!
Get out!
Get out!
I'll go now...
But I'll be back.
I know where she is.
Ariel's voice:
Help me... help me.
Help me.
Ariel!
Let's get
to the dinner party that night
at the Villa Capri...
Nina was there with you,
wasn't she?
Ariel uh, yes,
she was spending the night.
We had helped prepare for
an important dinner party.
Laid the table.
Candlesticks with white lace
tablecloth--
black plates.
Burning candles.
The best china,
all black.
Blood everywhere...
That I'm obsessed
with Ariel Dubois.
Red crystal goblets.
But so are you.
Help me.
Help me... help me.
Ariel?
Albert?
Albert?
"Villa Capri..."
Where is Ariel?
Do you know where Ariel is?
Where is Ariel?
Ariel...?
No, Martin.
My name is really
Elizabeth Bathory...
And thanks to you,
I shall live again...
And kill again.
I did murder Nina Chereau,
you know.
I had to-- I needed her blood
to stay young.
Just as, through the centuries,
I've always needed to kill...
To stay young.
You are insane.
No... I'm immortal.
That's not possible.
It's true.
Hello, my darling.
Why didn't you remain
where they put you?
Because I was growing old.
You would have died
a natural death.
I shall never die.
You will.
No!
Of all my daughters,
I loved you the best.
Oh, mother...
How could you?
Doctor Bennett...
Your obsession...
Has led you to murder.
No...
You don't understand.
You see, Ariel--
Ariel's not Ariel...
Where is she?
Where did she go?
She was just here, inspector,
only she's not Ariel.
She's someone called
Elizabeth Bathory!
She's 400 years old.
I mean, she was calling herself
Elizabeth Bathory--
she couldn't really be,
of course.
It was Ariel and...
She killed her--
her daughter here.
I know it sounds crazy!
You don't believe me, do you?
Come on, doctor.
No, it's the truth!
I can prove it!
I can prove it,
just let me find Elizabeth!
I mean Ariel!
I'm on your side now,
inspector!
I'm on your side.
I didn't do it!
Call the wagon!
Tell them to bring
a straitjacket!
No!
It's Ariel!
It wasn't me!
It was Ariel!
I'm on your side, inspector,
I'm on your side!
It wasn't me!
It wasn't me!
It wasn't me!
Okay.
Let's go now.
Inspector.
Let me out of this thing!
Come on.
I can explain!
I'm a doctor.
It's in the book.
Get the book.
Come on.
Come on.
I'm not crazy!
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!
No!
...her name was Nina.
She was my best friend
in the world.
When we... were in our
Joan of Arc phase,
we used to sit by the hour
in the cathedral St. John,
waiting to hear heavenly
voices.
Guess I was crazy
even then.
Did you hear voices?
No.
Then I guess you
weren't crazy.
Go on.
I was never happier
than those times
in the cathedral.
The candles everywhere.
Wax and incense heavy
in the air.
The murmur of old women
saying prayers.
It felt so comfortable.
So safe and secure.
Let's get to the dinner
party that night
at the Villa Capri.
Nina was there with you,
wasn't she?
Um, yes.
She was spending the night.
We had... um...
Helped prepare for an
important dinner party.
Laid the table.
Candlesticks with a white
lace tablecloth...
Best china, all black,
trimmed in gold...
Red crystal goblets...
Can't remember...
Can't you?
No.
The china
was very rare...
It was all black...
And the wine goblets were
very, very precious...
Red crystal...
Oh, please don't make me
go on...
Six months ago.
...i remember silver
candlesticks and black
china...
Go on.
And red goblets...
Yes.
I can't remember.
Three months ago.
There were black china
plates on a lace tablecloth.
Red wine goblets...
Two weeks ago.
We don't seem to be making
much progress, do we?
After seven months
of seeing you three times
a week, I still don't know
much more about you than
what's written in your file.
Normal childhood,
normal adolescence,
and then judged insane
and confined for life for
the murder of Nina Chereau.
It doesn't make sense.
Something is missing.
Don't you think I'm insane?
No, I don't.
Oh, but I killed
Nina Chereau!
Did you?
Oh, god!
I don't know.
But you can find out.
How?
By not being a coward
anymore.
By having the strength
and courage to confront
what happened that night...
I can't.
I can't.
You can, Ariel.
I know you can.
Why do you believe in me
when I don't even believe
in myself?
Because I believe in myself.
I'm a damned good doctor
and I expect you to be
a damned good patient.
Otherwise, I don't want
to play.
Okay?
What are you doing?
You and I are going
to play "let's pretend".
Let's pretend you are
back at the Villa Capri
that night.
This will be the table...
We'll pretend there's a lace
tablecloth.
These are the plates.
These are the goblets.
The candles are flick--
that's not right.
What?
That plate.
It's broken.
The plate's broken.
I was out of the room
getting flowers when
suddenly I heard a crash and...
When I came back inside,
Nina was standing
by the plate.
She was crying.
And Suzanne...
Suzanne?
My mother.
She hated growing old
and wanted people to think
we were sisters,
so she made me call her
Suzanne.
She suddenly appeared.
I don't know where she
came from.
She had a knife...
She's standing next
to Nina!
God, no!
No! No!
No... oh!
Oh, help me!
Help me, please!
I will, I swear I will.
It's time for your next
patient, doctor.
Thank you.
It's a little bit dark
in here.
Perhaps I should--
leave them.
It's how I want them.
Of course, doctor.
What do you think would
happen if you saw
your mother again?
She doesn't want to have
anything to do with me.
She's never written me,
she's never come to see me.
Don't you think that's
strange?
No, I'm supposed
to be crazy.
Supposed to be?
I think we're making
progress after all.
I hope my work has been
satisfactory.
It has been controversial,
to say the least.
Rarely have my colleagues
been so emotional as when
discussing your work.
Considering most of them
were dying of smug
complacency,
I take credit for
reminding them they're alive.
Does that include me?
I have never had any
doubts about your existence,
doctor Dumont.
I see where you have made
a recommendation to the
medical committee that
Ariel Dubois might be
ready for transfer
to a private clinic.
That's right.
You seem to take
a particular interest
in the case of Ariel Dubois.
Yes.
Or is it in Ariel Dubois
herself?
I resent that, doctor.
She's not an unattractive
woman.
And you're still quite
inexperienced as
a psychiatrist.
It's not unknown in such
cases that personal feelings
affect professional judgment.
I have never behaved
in anything less than
a professional manner
towards my patient.
Nevertheless, she responds
to you more openly than
to any other doctor since
she's been here.
I'm not surprised.
I treat her as a human
being and not a character
in a horror story.
She killed a girl in
a particularly horrifying way,
doctor Bennett.
She was brought to us
in a straitjacket and
remained in one for months,
despite massive doses
of thorazine.
Welcome to the middle ages.
Let's invite the aristocracy
out to laugh at the lunatics.
She was a threat--
not only to others
but to herself.
We're here to help her,
you know.
I do know.
I sometimes wonder
if I'm the only one who does.
Now it's my turn
to resent you, doctor.
Look.
All my observations
lead to the conclusion
that Ariel Dubois
is not insane.
Traumatized, yes.
Emotionally overwrought, yes.
But mad, no.
She is sick,
but I can cure her.
And how do you propose
doing that?
Ariel can only go so far
confronting the events
on the night of the murder,
then she's blocked.
That block has something
to do with her mother.
I propose to bring
her mother here and--
that's impossible.
You've read the files.
The mother chose
deliberately to disappear
after the murder.
She changed her name.
She desires to remain
anonymous.
The only reason I have
her address is in case
of Ariel's death.
She wants nothing
to do with her daughter.
Exactly why I consider it
my duty to my patient
to make her change her mind.
Yes?
I see.
Thank you.
The medical committee
has unanimously rejected
your recommendation
concerning Ariel Dubois.
If you built up false hopes,
your patient will be
very upset by this news.
I suggest you consider
ways of rebuilding
her confidence.
How?
By telling her that
in the opinion
of the so-called experts,
she's insane and better
learn to live with it?
Well, I don't believe that,
doctor Dumont.
I entered this profession
to help people...
And I intend to help
Ariel Dubois.
You should be in bed.
I couldn't sleep.
I heard the bad news.
I'm sorry.
Are you?
I am.
Really.
I like you.
You know that.
Nobody likes me.
Don't say that.
I like you.
I really do.
Do you...
Like me?
What's the matter?
You said you liked me,
didn't you?
Come on, relax...
Relax...
Oh, no!
Can I help you?
You want to buy something?
Uh, no... I mean, yes.
Yes, I do.
That's a very,
very interesting necklace
you have.
I'm afraid it's the only
thing here not for sale.
Of course not.
I meant, uh...
It's a very interesting
design.
It is based on
the coat-of-arms
of the Bathory family.
You know the story
of Elizabeth Bathory?
No, not really.
I think I've heard of her.
The female counterpart
of bluebeard.
Killed over 600 young women
in her day.
I must have her confused
with someone else.
Probably.
On the other hand,
there is said to be people
'round today who still
worship her memory
with weird rituals
and ceremonies.
I have a book about it here.
I think I'd like to buy it.
It is rather expensive.
300 francs.
That's all right.
She was a Hungarian countess
in the late middle ages
who had an obsession
with growing old.
She believed that bathing
in the blood of young women
would keep her eternally young
so she would never die.
Ah, here it is...
The cult of Elizabeth Bathory.
There was a case in this
town some years ago...
Yes?
I'd like to speak
to madame Dubois, please.
You must have
the wrong address.
There is no one here
by that name.
Then I will speak
to madame lafont.
Madame lafont is not here.
I'll wait.
She's not here, I tell you.
I'm not leaving until
I see madame Dubois.
I tell you, there is no
madame Dubois here!
Mathias.
What is this disturbance?
I'm sorry, madame.
This man forced his way--
my name is doctor
Martin Bennett.
I'm a psychiatrist.
One of my patients
is Ariel Dubois...
Your daughter.
You must be mistaken.
I have no daughter.
Mathias...
Last night, she escaped
from the asylum,
and I have reason to believe
she's coming here to find you.
Leave us, Mathias.
Yes, madame.
How long have you
been Ariel's doctor?
For six months.
That's time enough to know
that she's an extremely
dangerous person.
Are you afraid of her?
Is that why you haven't
contacted her in all
these years?
She's totally insane.
No.
She is not...
In my opinion.
That's an opinion
that flies in the face
of the distinguished
medical and legal advisors
who put her away.
It is.
Do you know what she did?
I know what happened.
You may think so,
but believe me, doctor,
you can't possibly imagine
what really happened.
I've read all the reports.
And Ariel has been
quite frank...
Has she?
As much as she can without
your help.
My help?
When Ariel talks about
the night of Nina Chereau's
death--
murder.
She gets so far and then
there is a block.
I believe it involves you.
I'd like you to talk to her.
I know you can help her.
You may be amused,
but you may have no choice
in the matter.
Now that Ariel has escaped,
I think she'll be coming
to see you herself.
Why?
Well, you are her mother,
madame Dubois.
Don't ever call me that!
If she's escaped,
surely the police
are looking for her.
They are.
But they won't help her.
Only you can do that.
No.
No, I can't.
Nobody can.
Not even you.
She is beyond the help
of anybody.
Don't you care
about her at all?
I wish she'd never
been born!
Mathias.
Madame?
Show doctor Bennett out.
And if he refuses to leave,
call the police.
Who are you?
What are doing in my room?
Police.
Inspector marais.
This is my assistant reverdy.
Like you, we are looking
for Ariel Dubois.
Have you found her?
Not yet.
Good.
You sound relieved.
Well, I'm not unhappy
that she's not under arrest.
Are you saying that
if she contacts you,
you will not notify
the police?
She is my patient
and needs help...
Not handcuffs.
In the first place,
she is a criminal.
She escaped from
a state asylum.
In my opinion,
she should have never been
there in the first place.
I agree with you, doctor.
They should have executed her.
Now, if Ariel Dubois
would contact you
in any way,
if you do not inform
the police immediately,
I will put you under arrest
for helping an escaped
criminal.
Her name was Nina.
Her name was Nina.
She was my best friend.
She was my best friend.
She was my best friend.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
We used to spend hours
in the cathedral St. John.
She had a knife...
She had a knife.
She had a knife!
Help me...
Help me.
Help me...
What--?
What are you doing here?
Thanking god I found you.
How did you find me here?
I followed the clues
in your analysis.
You always felt safe
and secure here, remember?
It's true, I do...
No one else could know
you'd come to this place.
I'm never going back, never.
If that's why you're here--
it isn't.
I've been trying to help you
get out of there, remember?
Thank you.
It's so wonderful
to be free.
But you're not
really free, Ariel.
Oh, I know the police
are after me, but if i--
I'm not talking about that.
Until you discover
what happened the night
of Nina's death,
you will never be free.
Let me get away.
No.
Why?
Because I care for you.
I'm your doctor...
And your friend.
And I so want you to be happy.
Happy?
How can someone like me
be happy?
I've seen your mother
and I'm convinced she can
help us discover the truth.
Please see this through.
Take my car.
If anything happens,
you'll have a means
of getting away.
I don't want
to get away now...
How do we stay in contact?
It's not safe to phone
my hotel...
Why don't we meet here
tomorrow at the same time?
Okay.
Excuse me, monsieur,
but you look like a book lover.
What?
I have a little shop
in the quarter.
Collectors usually find
something of interest there.
No, thank you.
A pity.
I thought you might find
something of value
for your girlfriend...
Where's your shop?
Okay.
What's your game?
A game, monsieur?
I'm not a gambler.
I am a businessman.
I sell things.
Like information?
Not if it is more
profitable to sell books.
For example, um...
This one your friend
asked about.
Let's drop the charade.
My "friend" was never in here.
But she was, monsieur.
We were discussing
the blood cult
of Elizabeth Bathory.
For her I climbed that ladder
to get this book...
It hurts me when I climb
the ladder.
I don't forget her.
How much?
Six... thousand francs.
Oh, monsieur!
Don't forget your book.
Who knows?
You might even read it one day.
What are you selling
this time?
Monsieur Albert...
This.
You expect to get money
for a piece of junk like this?
It is quite old...
And quite rare.
Objet d'art.
A unique piece of craftsmanship
from a vanished age.
Madame is well known
as a collector.
Which is, uh, naturally why
I thought of her when...
Such a doll came into my hands.
Naturally.
Everyone knows madame
has such style, such taste...
Such money.
2,000 francs, madame.
Surely not such a great deal
for such a beautiful doll...
You're sweating,
monsieur Albert...
You must make yourself
comfortable.
Thank you, madame...
Perhaps 1,800 francs would do.
That Jewel you're wearing!
Mathias!
Mathias!
Get him out of here!
Pay him anything he wants,
but get him out of my sight!
But, madame...
Doctor Bennett.
He says that he has
a personal message
from a third party.
Yes?
I'd like to apologize
for the way I acted
this morning.
I should have realized
how shocking the news
of Ariel's escape
would have been for you.
It was, uh, a surprise.
I saw her today.
Did you?
She's all right...
She sends you her love.
Where is she?
Safe for the moment.
But that's what I need
to talk to you about.
What do you mean?
Since you know her
better than I do--
better than anybody--
I need your advice.
My advice?
Yes.
That's right.
There are things about
that night I don't know
and if you told me about them,
maybe I'd have a different
perspective on Ariel.
I'm sure you would.
Will you talk to me?
Please?
All right.
The cafe de la chapelle?
Do you know where it is?
Tomorrow at 3:00?
I'll be there.
Excuse me, monsieur.
These look like
fresh flowers.
Yes, monsieur.
Did you put them there?
No, monsieur.
Do you know who did?
Each Friday, before midday,
someone takes the old flowers
away and puts fresh ones
in their place.
I wonder who still
remembers Nina Chereau?
I do not know, monsieur.
Ah.
Yesterday, a white citroen.
I checked the registration.
It's yours.
And a blue Renault today.
Why?
It broke down.
I'm having it repaired.
Ah.
Which garage?
I don't remember.
You intellectuals--
you really make me sick.
A degree, some letters after
your name, and you think
you're so much smarter
than any dumb cop, don't you?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
The murder of poor
Nina Chereau.
That's what I'm talking about.
That was my first job.
I was young and inexperienced.
And there was a report
of violence at the Villa Capri
and I was sent there.
It looked like the remains
of some obscene ceremony.
Black plates,
burning candles...
And blood everywhere...
On the floor, the walls.
And the body of Nina Chereau...
Or what was left of it.
She had been sliced open.
As if she was a sacrifice...
In some sick ritual.
I never will forget it...
Nor the one who did it.
Now, you understand.
Well, when I arrest the girl,
doctor, I will personally
return your car
when I come to arrest you.
Terrible accident.
Sorry I'm late.
I saw something horrible.
This little girl.
She's dead.
How sad.
At least she'll avoid
the horror of growing old.
What kind of a woman
are you?
A cursed one.
She's here?
Ariel!
Ariel, wait!
Wait!
She tried to kill me!
You should've warned me.
I couldn't!
Why? Why?
You knew she was coming!
Why didn't you tell me?
I took a chance.
I thought if you two met,
it would all come out
in the open and you'd be free!
What am I to you?
Some experiment?
Some stupid game?
I hate you!
Ariel, don't!
What is it, Ariel?
When I saw her,
I felt everything...
Fall away.
All I could remember
was that...
That night and Nina
on the floor covered in blood.
And Suzanne with a... knife,
rubbing blood on her face.
She's alive.
Who?
Elizabeth Bathory.
She is alive.
You mean Suzanne?
Oh, Martin.
I don't hate you.
I love you.
Help, Ariel!
Help me!
Help!
Help me, please!
Help me!
I'm slip-- I'm slipping!
Help!
Help me!
Help!
Help, I'm slipping!
Help!
I should let you drop.
Haul him up.
You saved my life.
Yes, but now I'm placing
you under arrest.
For helping a wanted criminal.
Come on.
You knew that she would
come back one day, didn't you?
You knew that...
Knew that you could
never escape from her!
That she would never
leave you alone--
never!
In peace...
In peace?
Look at you...
Ruined!
Old!
Old before your time
and all because of her!
That bitch!
I hate her!
Well, good morning,
doctor Bennett.
Morning.
Did you sleep well?
No.
Good.
I see you're interested
in the blood cult
of Elizabeth Bathory.
Where did you get that?
In your hotel room.
I have a search warrant.
Tell me, doctor.
Is that where you get
your ideas for treating
Ariel Dubois?
Of course not.
That's just a bunch
of mystical mumbo-jumbo.
Is it?
So, you are free to go now,
doctor.
I am?
Yes.
It is not you I want
to see in a cage.
It is Ariel Dubois.
You're wrong about that,
inspector.
Am I?
Yes, you are.
But I bet I'm right
about something else.
Something as a psychiatrist
you will be able to confirm
beyond a doubt.
And what is that?
That I'm obsessed
with Ariel Dubois...
But so are you.
And I intend to use
your obsession to satisfy
my own.
Understand?
All right.
Let him out.
Doctor Bennett.
Doctor Dumont.
What are you doing here?
I've come to ask you
to return to the asylum
with me.
I'm afraid I can't
do that right now, doctor.
I'm afraid you'll have to.
We can't afford the bad
publicity of one of our staff
assisting an escaped inmate
to remain at large.
Then I offer my resignation
as of right now.
Doctor Bennett,
consider your career.
The hell with my career!
Doctor.
What's happening to you?
Ignorance.
Stupidity.
Narrow-mindedness.
The persecution of
an innocent woman and
the twisted mind of another!
That's what's happening to me!
Doctor, you need to rest.
Come with me, now--
I'm not going anywhere until
I prove Ariel's innocence.
All right.
Today is Friday.
Stay the weekend--
what did you say?
I said, stay the weekend--
Friday?
Today is Friday?
Mathias!
Mathias!
He's not here.
Mathias!
He's at the cemetery
putting fresh flowers on
the grave of Nina Chereau.
Get out of here!
As he does every week.
Why is that, madame Dubois?
Leave me alone!
Because of guilt?
Is there something in your past
you feel guilty about,
madame Dubois?
Of should I call you
mademoiselle?
Since you hate the fact
of growing old.
No! No!
How did Nina die?
I don't know!
Yes, you do.
No!
You killed her, didn't you?
No!
She was mutilated
with a knife.
No!
And you did it because
of Elizabeth Bathory...
No!
Some sick ceremony
to worship a dead monster...
No!
Elizabeth Bathory lives!
Of course she does.
And she is now 400 years old,
kept forever young
by bathing in the blood
of young virgins...
It's true!
It's true!
You insane monster.
Madame!
Get out!
Get out!
I'll go now...
But I'll be back.
I know where she is.
Ariel's voice:
Help me... help me.
Help me.
Ariel!
Let's get
to the dinner party that night
at the Villa Capri...
Nina was there with you,
wasn't she?
Ariel uh, yes,
she was spending the night.
We had helped prepare for
an important dinner party.
Laid the table.
Candlesticks with white lace
tablecloth--
black plates.
Burning candles.
The best china,
all black.
Blood everywhere...
That I'm obsessed
with Ariel Dubois.
Red crystal goblets.
But so are you.
Help me.
Help me... help me.
Ariel?
Albert?
Albert?
"Villa Capri..."
Where is Ariel?
Do you know where Ariel is?
Where is Ariel?
Ariel...?
No, Martin.
My name is really
Elizabeth Bathory...
And thanks to you,
I shall live again...
And kill again.
I did murder Nina Chereau,
you know.
I had to-- I needed her blood
to stay young.
Just as, through the centuries,
I've always needed to kill...
To stay young.
You are insane.
No... I'm immortal.
That's not possible.
It's true.
Hello, my darling.
Why didn't you remain
where they put you?
Because I was growing old.
You would have died
a natural death.
I shall never die.
You will.
No!
Of all my daughters,
I loved you the best.
Oh, mother...
How could you?
Doctor Bennett...
Your obsession...
Has led you to murder.
No...
You don't understand.
You see, Ariel--
Ariel's not Ariel...
Where is she?
Where did she go?
She was just here, inspector,
only she's not Ariel.
She's someone called
Elizabeth Bathory!
She's 400 years old.
I mean, she was calling herself
Elizabeth Bathory--
she couldn't really be,
of course.
It was Ariel and...
She killed her--
her daughter here.
I know it sounds crazy!
You don't believe me, do you?
Come on, doctor.
No, it's the truth!
I can prove it!
I can prove it,
just let me find Elizabeth!
I mean Ariel!
I'm on your side now,
inspector!
I'm on your side.
I didn't do it!
Call the wagon!
Tell them to bring
a straitjacket!
No!
It's Ariel!
It wasn't me!
It was Ariel!
I'm on your side, inspector,
I'm on your side!
It wasn't me!
It wasn't me!
It wasn't me!
Okay.
Let's go now.
Inspector.
Let me out of this thing!
Come on.
I can explain!
I'm a doctor.
It's in the book.
Get the book.
Come on.
Come on.
I'm not crazy!
Elizabeth!
Elizabeth!