In Episode 13 we peel back the layers of Brian De Palma's 2002 thriller Femme Fatale. Known for its twisting narrative and visual flair, it's a quintessential De Palma work — suspense, sensuality, and the director's signature style — and a film that rewards a second viewing.
What Is Femme Fatale About?
Rebecca Romijn stars as Laure Ash, a woman involved in a daring jewel heist during the Cannes Film Festival who tries to escape her past only to be ensnared in a web of deceit, identity, and seduction. The film is a labyrinth of time shifts and narrative twists that keeps you guessing to the very end.
Why Critics Were Wrong
De Palma uses the film to play with noir conventions — especially the femme-fatale archetype — reimagining it in a story that's as much about destiny and morality as theft and double-crosses. Critics who wanted a straight thriller missed how deliberately it bends the form.
Why It Works
Romijn walks a fine line between vulnerability and calculation, making Laure compelling and genuinely enigmatic. Antonio Banderas, as a paparazzo pulled into her orbit, adds depth to the twisting plot. And De Palma's elaborate set pieces — several signature sequences — are both visually arresting and integral to the story.
BOLO
Be on the lookout for the Cannes heist sequence, the dream-logic time shifts, and De Palma's split-diopter shots.
The Bumper Sticker
Femme Fatale: every twist was hiding in plain sight.
Keep Rewatching the Cluster
FAQ
Who directed Femme Fatale?
Brian De Palma directed the 2002 thriller, starring Rebecca Romijn and Antonio Banderas.
Is Femme Fatale underrated?
Yes — it has grown into a cult favorite among De Palma and noir fans for its complex structure and stylistic boldness.
Tune in to our Slept-On Cinema episode on Femme Fatale on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.