Dangerous Liaisons

In pre-Revolution Paris, the Marquise de Merteuil devises a revenge scheme against her ex-lover, the Comte de Bastide. She plans to seduce his young fiancée, Cécile de Volanges, as a means to humiliate him and soothe her wounded pride.

Merteuil enlists the help of the Vicomte de Valmont, another former lover, to carry out her plan. Although initially uninterested, Valmont is tempted by Merteuil's offer of a night with her if he successfully seduces Madame de Tourvel, leading him to accept the challenge.

Valmont attempts to seduce Madame de Tourvel, but she firmly rebuffs his advances. Undeterred, he concocts a plan to help him gain leverage by targeting Cécile de Volanges instead, seeking revenge against her mother's warning about him.

Cécile, freshly introduced to society, falls for the charming Chevalier Raphael Danceny, who becomes her music teacher. Unbeknownst to her, Merteuil uses this young romance to manipulate Cécile's feelings, knowing Danceny lacks the social standing to pursue her.

Valmont gains access to Cécile's bedchamber under false pretenses and assaults her. He blackmails her into succumbing to his advances, forcing her to comply while she is helpless and terrified.

After her traumatic experience, Cécile isolates herself, claiming illness to avoid visitors. Madame de Volanges turns to Merteuil for help, and Cécile mistakenly confides in her, believing she is being offered guidance.

Merteuil cunningly advises Cécile to accept Valmont's advances, presenting it as an opportunity for empowerment. This leads to a disturbing arrangement where Cécile endures seduction by Valmont while still pining for Danceny.

After a night with Valmont, Cécile experiences a miscarriage, throwing her life into turmoil. Meanwhile, Valmont finds himself genuinely falling in love with Madame de Tourvel despite the chaos he has created around him.

Merteuil becomes jealous of Valmont's affection for Tourvel and mocks him openly. She refuses to honor their original agreement unless he completely abandons Tourvel, leading to a dramatic confrontation.

After Valmont's abrupt dismissal, Tourvel becomes distraught and retreats to a monastery. Her health declines rapidly due to the emotional turmoil caused by Valmont's manipulation and the subsequent heartbreak.

Feeling betrayed, Danceny challenges Valmont to a duel after learning of his indiscretions with Cécile. The duel results in Valmont willingly impaling himself, a tragic end that comes with a message for Tourvel.

As Valmont lays dying, he instructs Danceny to convey his genuine feelings for Tourvel. He also warns Danceny about Merteuil's devious nature, leaving him a collection of intimate letters as proof.

Upon receiving Valmont's heartfelt message from Danceny, Madame de Tourvel succumbs to her grief and dies. The tragic events of their entangled lives result in irreversible losses for both Valmont and Tourvel.

Merteuil attends an opera, but her facade crumbles as the audience turns against her, revealing that her manipulative schemes are well-known. As the truth about her actions circulates, it signifies her complete social ruin.