The screenplay by Jean-Pierre Denis with Michèle Pétin, was based on the book L'affaire Papin by Paulette Houdyer.

It told the story of the double murder committed by the maids, which made sensational headlines in France in 1933.

But their wretched background — an indifferent mother, a drunken, abusive father and time spent in orphanages — casts a shadow over the girls.

Finally, after six years of service, they end up committing a particularly brutal crime on February 2, 1933: killing Madame Lancelin and her daughter after gouging their eyes out.

Sylvie Testud won the César Award for Most Promising Actress in 2001 for her performance as Christine Papin.