Confidentially Yours

Confidentially Yours

Year: 1983

Runtime: 110 mins

Language: French

Director: François Truffaut

ComedyCrimeMystery

Claude Massoulier is killed at the same spot where agent Julien Vercel, who knew him, was present; Julien’s fingerprints are on Massoulier’s car. Police learn Julien’s wife, Marie‑Christine Vercel, was Massoulier’s lover, making Julien the suspect. His secretary Barbara Becker doubts his innocence yet defends him and conducts a private investigation.

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Timeline & Setting – Confidentially Yours (1983)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Confidentially Yours (1983). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

South of France, Nice

The action unfolds in the sun-kissed surroundings of the French Riviera, centered around a lake-side locale near Nice. The narrative moves between tranquil waterside scenes and bustling urban venues like a real estate office, a movie theatre, and a night club. The setting blends glamorous resort atmosphere with darker corners where secrets and motives simmer.

🏖️ Côte d'Azur 🏞️ Lakeside 🏙️ Urban locales

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:14

Main Characters – Confidentially Yours (1983)

Meet the key characters of Confidentially Yours (1983), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Julien Vercel (Jean-Louis Trintignant)

Estate agent Julien is drawn into a murder investigation when he becomes the prime suspect after Massoulier's death. His calm exterior hides underlying anxiety and a willingness to bend the truth to protect his marriage. As the case unfolds, he confronts past decisions and the possibility that his wife’s lover may be implicated in the crime.

💼 Real estate 🕵️‍♂️ Suspect ❤️ Husband

Barbara Becker (Fanny Ardant)

Julien’s secretary who secretly loves her boss and uses her wit to uncover the truth. She travels to Nice to investigate Marie-Christine’s past while navigating a cool, determined demeanor. Her pursuit of justice is entangled with personal feelings, creating a complex ally in the investigation.

🕵️‍♀️ Investigator 💕 Secret love

Marie-Christine Vercel (Josiane Kerbel)

Julien’s wife, whose real name is Josiane Kerbel. She carries debts and a history of gambling, and her marriage to Julien is entangled with hidden relationships and motives. Her past life drives much of the narrative, deepening the mystery surrounding the murder.

🎭 Deceitful spouse 💰 Debtor

Maître Clément

Julien’s lawyer who probes the case aggressively and manipulates information to protect himself. He becomes a central figure in the web of lies and, as the truth emerges, is revealed to be the killer behind multiple deaths before taking his own life.

⚖️ Lawyer 🗡️ Culprit

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:14

Major Themes – Confidentially Yours (1983)

Explore the central themes of Confidentially Yours (1983), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🔎 Crime & Deceit

A web of lies and hidden loyalties drives the plot, with suspicion shifting as clues emerge. The murder and the victim’s past pull the characters into a tense cat-and-mouse dynamic. The story emphasizes how deceit can mask truth and how evidence can be manipulated by those closest to the crime.

💔 Love & Betrayal

Affairs and marriages fracture under pressure, revealing how passion can distort judgment. Marie-Christine’s secret life and Clement’s dangerous loyalties pull the protagonists into a spiral of betrayal. Barbara’s unspoken affection adds a layer of motive and tension to the pursuit of truth.

⚖️ Justice & Guilt

The quest for truth culminates in confessions and self-destruction, as motives come to light and consequences follow. The investigation probes ethics, accountability, and the cost of keeping secrets. The ending couples renewed trust between Julien and Barbara with the unraveling of the case.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:14

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Confidentially Yours Summary

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Confidentially Yours Summary

Confidentially Yours Timeline

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Confidentially Yours Timeline

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Confidentially Yours (1983) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

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Confidentially Yours (1983) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow