Simone Signoret delivers a remarkable performance as a captivating woman entangled with several men involved in minor crime. While ostensibly pursuing a relationship with "Raymond" (Raymond Bussières), she also engages in flirtations that irritate him, particularly when she spends time with the betrothed carpenter "Manda" (Serge Reggiani). This situation further upsets their employer, “Leca” (Claude Dauphin), who is himself interested in her. Following this interaction, she and her partner have a falling out, despite her insistence that he misunderstands the situation; this prompts her to reconsider what she truly desires instead of simply trying to satisfy those around her. Simultaneously, tensions between the three men escalate, creating an increasingly tense and potentially perilous atmosphere as jealousy emerges, stirring up animosity and conflict. The narrative itself isn't particularly strong, but the film’s dark, realistic cinematography and Jacques Becker’s dynamic direction—who also wrote the screenplay—impart a greater sense of character and allow Signoret to truly stand out. Her character is imperfect and not especially appealing, yet I found myself invested in her fate. I wasn't concerned about any of her suitors, though, and the final scenes seemed appropriate, if somewhat harsh. The Van Parys score also contributes significantly, adding a layer of grit to the film; while it isn’t necessarily pleasant, it is an effective dramatic element.

Source on TMDB