Claude Lelouch’s Roman de Gare is a brilliant break from the predictable patterns of the standard thriller.

A critically acclaimed author, a man who leaves his wife and children and a serial killer’s lives interweave, leaving one to wonder just who is who. A ghostwriter, planning to leave his high profile author-employer, pens the perfect manuscript much to her envy. A perfect crime is in the works, it seems, but what is fiction, what is reality and who is engaged in a treacherous game?

Dominique Pinon (Amélie) and Fanny Ardant (Paris Je T’aime) make good on their excellent track record; however, the real surprise is newcomer Audrey Dana.

Grade: A

Roman de Gare releases in select theaters May 16.