Mexico 1949; Coral Fabre, a buxom, sensual, young nurse and mother, meets Nico who uses his looks to take advantage of women. Coral, immediately attracted to him, abandons her children and delves into his shady past to discover that he had murdered his wife. Putting this sensitive information to use, Coral makes sure Nico understands that they are now "bound for life."

Using pathos and dark humour the film becomes simultaneously funny, morbid and moving. Deep Crimson continues Ripstein's inter­est in controversial, uncompromising films about people on the moral edge, yet is lighter in tone than much of his previous work.

Deep Crimson is perhaps the most compelling unsettling proof of Ripstein's meticulous cine­matic mastery. Precise direction of razor sharp cinematography - Guillermo Granillo's unerring eye and dazzling use of colour is sensational - and outstanding performances continue his rep­utation as one of Mexico's most innovative and prolific artists. Deep Crimson is thought provoking and utterly riveting.