The Swindle(1997) May 2026

: Critics often note the "sunnier" disposition of this film compared to Chabrol's darker masterpieces like La Cérémonie . It features running gags, such as Victor constantly being mistaken for hotel staff.

: The film’s title, Rien ne va plus (meaning "no more bets"), reflects the unpredictability of its plot. By the end, viewers may still be uncertain about who exactly was scamming whom—or the true nature of the protagonists' pasts. Critical Reception The Swindle(1997)

The story follows two small-time con artists: (Isabelle Huppert) and Victor (Michel Serrault). They travel between French and Swiss resort hotels, running low-stakes scams that involve drugging businessmen and stealing just enough money that reporting the crime would be too embarrassing for the victims. : Critics often note the "sunnier" disposition of

: The film is highly regarded for the chemistry between Isabelle Huppert and Michel Serrault . Huppert uses a series of wigs and disguises throughout the film, leading some critics to view her role as a metaphor for acting itself, with Victor serving as a director-like figure who manages their "productions". By the end, viewers may still be uncertain

The central mystery of the film is their relationship: are they father and daughter, lovers, or merely business partners? Chabrol intentionally leaves this bond undefined, even as they take on a more dangerous scheme involving a corporate treasurer, (François Cluzet), and a briefcase containing 5 million Swiss francs.

: Chabrol frequently pays homage to Alfred Hitchcock. In The Swindle , this is evident in scenes where characters must navigate public events where escape requires "breaking the rules" of social decorum.