Cousin Bette

The Hulot family gathers around Adeline as the matriarch's life comes to an end. Hector's extravagance has left them heavily in debt, casting a shadow over the moment. The impending death sharpens everyone's awareness of their precarious fortune and social obligations.

Bette, the poor aging cousin, vows to guard Adeline's kin, especially Hortense. She has sacrificed for the family for years with little reward, which fuels her resentment. The moment of Adeline's death strengthens her resolve to shape the clan's future, even from the margins.

Bette believes the baron's offer is a proposal of marriage, but it is presented as a job to work as the family's housekeeper. She returns to her humble life and resumes making costumes for a Burlesque theater. There she befriends Jenny Cadine and crosses paths with the gifted Count Wenceslas Steinbach.

Under Bette's watchful guidance, Wenceslas grows more capable and productive as an artist. Bette proclaims her affection for him and shares her happiness with Hortense, planting seeds for later conflict. Hortense, drawn to youth and beauty, watches the relationship with growing unease.

Hortense, tired of dull, wealthy suitors, decides to pursue Wenceslas and marries him in secret. Wenceslas accepts a prestigious art commission that would guarantee his debut if completed successfully. The marriage, born from desire rather than love, sets in motion betrayals that shake the Hulot family.

Believing Hortense's betrayal to be the last straw, Bette enlists Jenny to help steer the Hulots toward their baser desires. Jenny returns to the household, deepening the deception that will erode reputations. The family begins to unravel under Bette's calculated manipulation.

Financial fragility and personal schemes collide as the Hulots slide toward ruin. Wenceslas's career falters, debts mount, and missteps threaten the family fortune. Bette's machinations push them toward a final, shaming downfall.

Wenceslas is publicly discredited when it is revealed he squandered the art commission and produced only a crude block of marble. The episode ruins his reputation and accelerates his professional decline. The revelation compounds the family crisis and deepens Hortense's precarious position.

Jenny Cadine seduces Wenceslas, wrecking his marriage and entangling him with both Jenny and Baron Hulot. The affair exposes the rift within the family and accelerates their social ruin. Bette watches the plotting unfold as her own plan edges toward its cruel climax.

Upon discovering the infidelity, Baron Hulot suffers a debilitating stroke that leaves him unable to govern the estate. The stroke marks a physical and symbolic blow to the family’s pride and power. Medical and financial troubles mount as the household slides toward collapse.

Hortense, learning of the affair, attempts to murder Jenny. Instead, she kills her own husband and is imprisoned for murder. The tragedy shatters her prospects and seals the family’s descent into ruin.

As fighting erupts in Paris, the Hulots' fortunes crumble further. Wenceslas is dead, the Baron crippled, Hortense imprisoned, and Victorin on the run from ruthless loan sharks. Their once-proud name lies in tatters as the family home stands shuttered.

Bette emerges victorious, amassing a fortune and taking control of the infant heir. She plans to raise him as a great artist who will return her love and secure her lasting legacy. The film closes on the bitter contrast between Bette's ruthless ascent and the Hulots' ruin.