The story follows Paul (François Cluzet), the hardworking and seemingly stable proprietor of a lakeside hotel in the Lauraguais region of France. After marrying the ravishing Nelly (Emmanuelle Béart) and having a child, Paul’s life appears perfect—until his mind begins to fracture. The Descent
Chabrol uses color like a weapon. The film starts in the golden, honeyed hues of a summer romance. By the second act, the palette shifts to acidic yellows and deep, bruised purples. Nelly’s white summer dresses become symbols of impossible purity, which Paul’s mind inevitably soils. Claude Chabrol - L--enfer -1994-