L'Énergumène Poster

L'Énergumène 2011

📅 2011-01-11

Directed by Jean-Loïc Portron in 2011, *L'Énergumène* dives into a gripping historical puzzle from the late 16th century.

Director: Jean-Loïc Portron

Cast

Anna Mihalcea
Anna Mihalcea
Marthe Brossier
Mélissa Barbaud
Mélissa Barbaud
Madeleine Brossier
Thierry Bosc
Thierry Bosc
Michel Marescaut
Serge Merlin
Serge Merlin
Jacques Brossier
Stanislas Grassian
Stanislas Grassian
Bishop Henri de Gondi
Philippe Awat
Alexandre de La Rochefoucault
Serge Feuillard
Serge Feuillard
Cardinal d'Ossat
Perkins Lyautey
Perkins Lyautey
Exorcist Priest
Thibault Corrion
Benoït de Canfeld

Frequently Asked Questions

What is L'Énergumène (2011) about?

This 2011 documentary examines the controversial case of Marthe Brossier, whose claims of demonic possession in late 16th-century France became a flashpoint for debates on religion, science, and state power. The film dissects how her story exposed the tensions between ultra-Catholic factions and King Henry IV during a pivotal moment in European history.

Who directed L'Énergumène?

L'Énergumène was directed by Jean-Loïc Portron, a filmmaker known for his historical and documentary work that blends scholarly rigor with cinematic storytelling.

Who stars in L'Énergumène?

The documentary features historians and performers including Anna Mihalcea, Mélissa Barbaud, Thierry Bosc, Serge Merlin, and Stanislas Grassian, whose insights and portrayals anchor the film's narrative.

Is L'Énergumène (2011) worth watching?

While it's a niche historical documentary, *L'Énergumène* offers a compelling look at a lesser-known but pivotal moment in European history. Its thoughtful approach and strong performances make it a rewarding watch for fans of period dramas and historical analysis, even without a mainstream rating.

How long is L'Énergumène?

Runtime details are not listed.

About L'Énergumène (2011) — A Historical Investigation into Faith, Power and Superstition

Directed by Jean-Loïc Portron in 2011, *L'Énergumène* dives into a gripping historical puzzle from the late 16th century. The documentary follows the extraordinary case of Marthe Brossier, a woman whose claims of demonic possession sparked intense debate among historians, theologians, and political figures. Set against the backdrop of France's transition from religious wars to state formation, the film explores how her story became a battleground for the uneasy balance between faith, power, and reason during Henry IV's reign.

With its atmospheric reconstruction of a turbulent era, *L'Énergumène* blends scholarly analysis with dramatic tension. Portron weaves together the perspectives of four historians as they unpack the machinations of ultra-Catholics who weaponized superstition against the king. Anna Mihalcea, Mélissa Barbaud, and Thierry Bosc lead a cast that brings this high-stakes drama to life, offering a window into a society grappling with modernity amid lingering medieval fears.