Bluebeard

A puppeteer and painter whose charm masks a homicidal compulsion. His artistic success masks a growing fixation on the women he paints, transforming them into his lost muse. He strangles Renee, then continues to kill whenever a new model awakens the same image in his mind. His final act is a desperate attempt to escape, ending with a plunge into the Seine.

A modiste drawn to Morrell by a mix of attraction and opportunity. She designs costumes for his puppets and becomes entangled in his crime spiral. She confronts the danger Morrell represents, and ultimately faces the truth about his murders. Her resolve to cooperate with authorities marks a turning point in the pursuit of justice.

Inspector Lefevre’s undercover agent and Lucille’s sister. She enters Morrell’s world to gather evidence and breaks ties with danger, recognizing the killer on sight. Her pursuit ends tragically when Morrell murders her, leaving a crucial clue behind—the cravat.

A shrewd art dealer who knows Morrell’s crimes but remains complicit through the profits of Morrell’s paintings. He pressures Morrell into producing one last work for financial independence and tries to flee when danger closes in. Morrell eliminates him, removing a key witness and purchaser from the equation.

A seasoned Sûreté inspector who coordinates the pursuit of the Bluebeard killer. He uses Francine to infiltrate the art world and pursue Morrell, guiding the investigation toward the murderer. He reveals the critical link between the cravat and Morrell at Francine’s funeral, sealing the case.

Morrell’s jealous lover who performs in his puppet show and fears abandonment. She is one of his earliest victims, her disappearance a catalyst for the wave of killings. Her relationships with Morrell help illuminate the killer’s volatile temperament.

A duke who buys Morrell’s latest painting, unknowingly linking Morrell’s success to a wider circle of aristocratic ones. His recognition of the painting propels the police to connect Morrell’s art with the murders. He embodies the social elite’s taste that sustains Morrell’s facade of genius.