Marion Cotillard’s Intense Escape from Religious Cult in ‘Karma’ Review

Guillaume Canet’s ‘Karma’ opens with a couple, Jeanne (Marion Cotillard) and Daniel (Leonardo Sbaraglia), slow dancing to “Until I Found You” in their secluded home in a Northern Spain village. The lyrics echo:

“I said I would never fall, unless it’s you I fall into / I was lost within the darkness, but then I found her.”

The film transforms into a punishing odyssey as Jeanne’s life spirals into a brutal test of devotion. ‘Karma’ explores themes of secrecy in relationships, the manipulation of religious cults, and the abuse of power in the name of faith. While the movie delivers a satisfying takedown of cults, it sacrifices its central mysteries early for overt moralizing. The story initially subverts expectations by framing itself as a familial thriller, where danger lurks closest to home.

Jeanne spends much of her time with her godson, Mateo, a dynamic that unsettles those around her. Daniel questions the appropriateness of their bond, while Cotillard conveys both tenderness and unease in these scenes. In one standout moment, she attends Mateo’s soccer match, alcohol in hand, and berates the coach for a poor decision. The camera reveals her as the only adult present, highlighting her isolation and volatility.

The film’s eerie production design and Debie’s cinematography amplify the tension. In a key sequence, Daniel and Jeanne drive home from the police station. Daniel stops the car in a foggy field, the headlights splitting the frame and symbolizing their confusion and search for clarity. The camera lingers on Cotillard’s face, emphasizing her emotional turmoil as the narrative unfolds.