Published: 1st December 2025

A Retired Spy Haunted by the Past on the Côte d’Azur

In a luxury hotel on the Côte d’Azur, seventy-year-old John D (Fabio Testi) enjoys his days to the fullest, soaking up the sunshine while resting, drinking, and smoking. After a series of flashbacks triggered by seeing a beautiful woman on the sand, we learn that John was once a spy named John Diman (Young John played by Yannick Renier). While John is trying to enjoy his old age peacefully, visions from his past occur more frequently, and it becomes evident that he not only lived a life of immense risk and danger but is still haunted by an unknown long-term enemy in the present day.

A Deadly Discovery Forces John to Confront the Past

Making matters worse, John, in the present day, discovers the dead body of the beautiful woman he has been secretly admiring from afar. Now John is determined to uncover the truth about the woman, but he cannot help thinking this death may be connected to his past, and that his old foes may be closer than he believes. With no choice, John is forced to reflect on the past to uncover the truth and defeat his old lethal enemies once and for all.

Bruno Forzani and Hélène Cattet Deliver a Genre-Bending Thriller

Reflection in a Dead Diamond was written and directed by Bruno Forzani and Hélène Cattet. The pair are also responsible for writing and directing Let the Corpses Tan (2017), The Strange Colour of Your Body’s Tears (2013), a short film titled Yellow Room (2002), and more. The film blends multiple genres, combining action, mystery, and thriller elements, with a touch of science fiction.

A Stylish Homage to James Bond

Given all the talk of diamonds and spies throughout the film, it is impossible not to watch this story and feel that it is a love letter to all things James Bond. There are plenty of wondrous ideas, including gadgets, creative villains, and attractive love interests for our leading hero. The Bond vibes are so strong that I could not help but wonder what we would get if the directors were ever allowed to direct the world’s favourite spy.

A Psychedelic and Unpredictable Cinematic Experience

As a plot, nothing here is predictable, and the entire film is a wild ride and a tremendous experience. Packed with what feels like psychedelic moments, the film is visually strong and features creative, impressive filming styles. The audio track, much like the visuals, also surprised me multiple times. Does everything surrounding the plot make complete sense at first? Not at all, especially given that viewers are delving into the mind of a retired spy, both in the past and in the present. The reward for investing in this journey is definitive, and the major reveals in the finale took my breath away, leaving me grinning like a young fool and ready to rewatch the film all over again with an entirely new perspective.

A Dazzling and Unforgettable Film Experience

Overall, Reflection in a Dead Diamond is packed with a psychedelic visual style, a tight pace, an impressive and breathtaking sound stage, and most importantly, a mystery you will not be able to predict, no matter how smart you think you are when it comes to film. To confirm your suspicions, yes, the James Bond vibes are all present in this film, and I loved seeing the fresh ideas around costume, gadgets, and most importantly, a long-term nemesis, along with the many other classic film nods throughout. This was a wild ride, and by the end, I was keen to go through it all again with a guaranteed new perspective compared to the first watch. Much like looking at a high-quality diamond, something about this film is fantastic and breathtaking, no matter the angle.

Reflection in a Dead Diamond (2025) is Now Available Exclusively on Shudder and AMC+

About the Reviewer

Peter Walkden

Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.

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