Dangerous Liaisons (2012)

In pre-Revolution Paris, the Marquise de Merteuil plots revenge against her ex-lover, the Comte de Bastide. After he ends their relationship, she decides to ruin the reputation of his young fiancée, Cécile de Volanges, who has just been introduced to society.

Merteuil contacts Vicomte de Valmont, another of her former lovers, to assist in her scheme against Cécile. Although Valmont initially declines, stating he is focused on seducing the devout Madame de Tourvel, Merteuil entices him by offering herself if he succeeds in his seduction.

Intrigued by Merteuil's challenge, Valmont agrees to attempt seducing Tourvel as a test of his charms. He sees this as a challenge he cannot refuse, believing himself to be irresistible and confident in his abilities.

Valmont makes multiple advances towards Madame de Tourvel, but she resolutely rebuffs him, maintaining her chastity and religious devotion. Undeterred, Valmont seeks other means to leverage his seduction efforts.

Frustrated by his failures with Tourvel, Valmont shifts his attention to the innocent Cécile. He gains access to her bedchamber under false pretense and forces himself on her, manipulating her into submission through blackmail.

Following the assault, Cécile remains confined to her chambers under the guise of illness. She naively seeks advice from Merteuil, believing her to be sympathetic, while confiding her fears about Valmont's intentions.

Merteuil further manipulates Cécile, encouraging her to accept Valmont's advances as beneficial to her societal standing. This leads to a twisted dynamic where Cécile is courted by Danceny by day and exploited by Valmont by night.

After a night with Valmont, Cécile suffers a miscarriage, which adds to her emotional turmoil. Valmont, meanwhile, finds himself falling genuinely in love with Tourvel, complicating his original plans of seduction.

As Valmont grows closer to Tourvel, Merteuil's jealousy surfaces, prompting her to mock him and withhold her promised reward. She insists that Valmont must end his relationship with Tourvel if he wishes to fulfill their agreement.

Devastated by Valmont's abrupt dismissal, Tourvel retreats to a monastery, her health declining swiftly. This sends Valmont into turmoil as he begins to realize the depth of his feelings for her.

Merteuil informs Danceny of Valmont's seduction of Cécile, leading Danceny to challenge Valmont to a duel. The confrontation ends with Valmont willingly impaling himself on Danceny's sword as a final act of reconciliation.

As he lays dying, Valmont urges Danceny to convey his true feelings to Tourvel and warns him about Merteuil's manipulations. He hands over letters that expose her machinations as a final act of trust.

Upon receiving Valmont's message, Tourvel succumbs to grief and dies, overwhelmed by her emotions and the betrayal she felt. Valmont's true love for her remains unfulfilled, adding to the tragedy of their story.

Following Valmont's death, Merteuil spirals into madness, experiencing the consequences of her cruel victories. She attends an opera but leaves in shame, realizing her life's manipulations have been exposed.