In spite of some stiltedness, The Embalmer is an oft-intriguing examination of unquenched desire and the power of beauty.

| Original Score: B- | Dec 11, 2003

Masterful at concealing its true nature and surprising us with the turns of the story.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 14, 2003

The movie, a keen look at the way passion unravels and obsession destroys, creates a black mood, a sense of truth and an enduring chill that stay with you.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Nov 13, 2003

Seductive, suspenseful psychological drama.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Oct 2, 2003

Mahieux ... builds a character so relentlessly powerful and creepy that The Embalmer leaves an aftertaste -- we can practically smell him.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 26, 2003

Here's a movie that could keep David Lynch tossing at night.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Sep 25, 2003

Brilliantly creates an atmosphere of malignant malaise and foreboding.

| Jul 25, 2003

Finds a disconcerting niche between edgy character thriller and black comedy.

Full Review | Jul 22, 2003

A bummer, but one that manages to stick to its depraved convictions until the strange and bitter end.

Full Review | Jul 22, 2003

At moments, the story skirts uncomfortably close to the grotesque. But this atmospheric oddity delivers a surprisingly sensitive take on the overwhelming ache of loneliness.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 22, 2003

Creepy.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 18, 2003

Perverse and chilling, but also novel, smart.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 17, 2003

The Embalmer has the look of naturalized Fellini and, in its nearly unblinking analysis of human power relations, a story worthy of Fassbinder.

Full Review | Jul 8, 2003

As an aching meditation on the power of beauty, this hits home.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Jun 8, 2003

Swiftly runs out of story and becomes stuck on the sexual squabbles of its characters.

Full Review | Apr 1, 2003