Is The Strange Monsieur Victor Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1938)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of The Strange Monsieur Victor (1938), audiences are invited back into the world of Crime, Drama. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "Outwardly, Monsieur Victor would appear to be the model citizen. A respectable Toulon shopkeeper, he has a devoted wife and is courteous and considerate to all who know him. However, beneath this veneer of respectability hides a notorious receiver of stolen goods, who trades with hardened criminals. Victor manages to keep up his double life without any difficulty until the fateful day when one of his partners in crime threatens to expose him. Fearing a scandal, Victor kills the crook in a moment of panic, using a shoemaker's tool. Naturally, the murder is blamed on a local shoemaker, who is sentenced to ten years' hard labour. Seven years later, the former shoemaker reappears in Toulon, having escaped from prison. The first person to recognise him is Monsieur Victor..."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. While not a career-best, Raimu's presence adds a necessary stability to the proceedings. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Crime. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Strange Monsieur Victor worth your time? If you appreciate Crime, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a must-watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Strange Monsieur Victor is a mixed bag with some redeeming qualities. With a runtime of 103 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Watch on OTT.