Sex, intrigue and murder – the atmospheric Hungarian drama Demimonde has it all. It’s just before World War I in Pest, and we meet a wealthy kept woman (Patricia Kovács), her longtime housekeeper (Dorka Gryllus) and the new maid (Laura Döbrösi). Indeed, the movie’s title describes the professional courtesan, shamelessly successful as a professional mistress that she can dare to seek riskier and riskier gratification. Mustering more poise, dignity and sexiness than anyone else, she utterly flouts all the conventions of respectability. I don’t need them to respect me, she says, I just need them to be fascinated. Indeed, she fascinates so many of the characters, that the sexual entanglements pile up until there are grave consequences.
All of the characters are hungering for something – sex and status, lost love, new love, sustenance, amusement. The three lead actresses and all the supporting cast are exceptionally good. Director Attila Szász convincingly takes us to the period and keeps the surprises coming.
With all the misbehavior, someone is sure to be punished and, when that happens, Demimonde becomes operatic. It’s one of the most satisfyingly entertaining films at Cinequest, and it plays the festival on March 2, 3, 9 and 10.