-->
Year: 2003
Runtime: 104 min
Language: French
Director: Claude Chabrol
In this gripping drama, Anne Charpin-Vasseur, a French woman in her 50s, defies convention by running for mayor, only to face a maelstrom of personal and political scandals. As she navigates the treacherous landscape, she must confront dark secrets from her past, including allegations of Nazi collaboration, and a complex web of family relationships that threaten to destroy everything she holds dear.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Flower of Evil yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
In a lavish residence located in Bordeaux, we find Gérard, the proprietor of a pharmaceutical empire. His lifestyle, marked by heavy drinking and promiscuity, brings disdain to his son François, who has recently returned from the USA. To Gérard’s dismay, his second wife, Anne, is running for a position in the local municipal elections, adding to the tensions within the household.
The dynamic shifts when Anne’s daughter from her first marriage, Michèle, is thrilled by François’s return, and the two embark on a romantic getaway to Pyla-sur-Mer, where their relationship deepens into an affair. Encouraging their newfound bond is Line, Anne’s elderly aunt, who supports the young lovers.
However, Anne’s political campaign faces a severe setback when an anonymous pamphlet circulates, tarnishing her family’s reputation. While suspicions arise that Gérard might be the author, not everyone is convinced of the claims. The current mayor, recognizing Anne’s capabilities, offers her the promise of his role should she secure a victory.
As the election night unfolds, the entire family gathers at the town hall, except for Michèle, who remains home to complete a crucial university assignment. Gérard, inebriated, returns home and assaults Michèle, leading to a struggle during which he accidentally falls and meets his demise.
In a shocking twist, Line shares a harrowing secret with Michèle, revealing her deep affection for her brother, who was executed during the Second World War for being part of the French Resistance. The chilling truth emerges that their father, a Nazi collaborator, was responsible for this betrayal, prompting Line to take vengeance by killing him. Line then resolves to accept responsibility for Gérard’s death.
As the dust settles, a festive procession of honking cars fills the driveway, and Anne’s supporters flood into the home, ready to celebrate her electoral triumph with a toast of champagne, marking a new chapter for the family amidst their tragic history.
Last Updated: November 15, 2024 at 17:21
The Flower of Evil (2003) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Flower of Evil (2003) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like The Flower of Evil – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Last Summer (2021) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Flowers (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer (2006) Film Overview & Timeline
Elevator to the Gallows (1961) Film Overview & Timeline
Back to Burgundy (2018) Story Summary & Characters
Alléluia (2015) Complete Plot Breakdown
Bloody Oranges (2022) Full Summary & Key Details
The School of Flesh (1999) Full Movie Breakdown
The Flower of My Secret (1996) Ending Explained & Film Insights
For a Woman (2014) Complete Plot Breakdown
Murderous Maids (2002) Film Overview & Timeline
Flower (2018) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
In Secret (2014) Full Movie Breakdown
The Evil That Men Do (1984) Film Overview & Timeline
Flowers in the Attic (1987) Complete Plot Breakdown