Faute de documents, l’affaire dite des poisons est longtemps restée mystérieuse. La vérité ne nous serait jamais parvenue si la découverte et la publication des archives de la Bastille ne l’avait mise au jour deux siècles plus tard.

In contrast to many French period films, L’Affaire des poisons is a decidedly dark, humourless affair, having perhaps more in common with the contemporary thriller genre than the tradition of historical drama. It is based [on] a real-life incident which took place in 17th Century France [and] contains some disturbing scenes brought to life by fine performances. Most memorable is Paul Meurisse‘s Abbé Guibourg, who salks the gloomy shadows, eyes gleaming maniacally in a face that conveys the innocence of a saint, exuding evil from every pore. His partner in crime, Viviane Romance, gives an equally chilling performance. — James Travers