A dark and brooding film that makes use of highly erotic imagery and of the supernatural to portray the tragic fall and moribund possession of a highly anointed monk. Vincent Cassel and Déborah François together lend a passionate and fluid performance. The use of sparse lighting, high contrast, and warm lustful color tones enhance the highly evocative atmosphere. However, the buildup and delivery of so many of the film's biggest happenings lack the care the sensational subject matter requires.