While the colours and amazing costumes make this feel almost like a spoof of 1950s-style movies, the plot, sets and direction hark back to the story's origin as a stage play. The action is confined to the main room of the house (with only a few token cutaways), and each actress gets to shine in a scene of her own, complete with a big musical number. As the story unravels, there are so many twists and turns that it's often quite funny to keep track of shifting loyalties and liaisons. The actresses all light up the screen and hold our attention, even though they play their roles like amateur drama queens! There's no way to pick a stand-out--this is a true ensemble film, although Huppert plays furthest from type; her prim red-head is a hilariously pinched bundle of nerves and barely repressed bitterness. And while the film is thoroughly enjoyable as a comedy-mystery, it's more frustrating as an examination of women and society. All attempts at serious commentary are undermined by goofiness in the writing or direction, and by the end the film can actually be seen as anti-feminist! There's just enough of a hint at something interesting beneath the surface to make you wish Ozon had actually had the nerve to really go for it.