Marguerite & Julien

Julien and Marguerite de Ravalet share a unique and profound bond during their childhood in the orphanage. Their unwavering devotion to each other raises concern for their uncle, Abbot, who fears the intensity of their relationship is inappropriate.

Abbot convinces their father, Jean, to send Julien and his brother Phillipe abroad to study, believing Marguerite is hindering their academic progress. This separation marks the beginning of intense emotional turmoil for both siblings as they are distanced from each other.

Years later, Marguerite, resisting societal pressures to marry, chooses a life of solitude. The return of Julien and Phillipe brings forth a heartfelt reunion, reigniting the feelings that have lingered between the siblings despite the years apart.

Despite the reunion, Marguerite is faced with a marriage arrangement to Marigny, a kind yet disabled man. Feeling trapped, Marguerite experiences jealousy towards Marigny, while Julien also grapples with his feelings about her impending marriage.

During a dinner with Marigny, Julien steps away, prompting Marguerite to follow him. The two share a charged moment alone, testing their emotions, leading to flirtation and the exploration of their deep-seated attraction for one another.

Their parents discover Julien and Marguerite partially undressed, leading to an uproar that results in Marigny withdrawing from the engagement. The consequences of their actions set the stage for more turbulent events in their lives.

In a secret meeting, Marguerite confesses her love for Julien, but he, despite reciprocating her feelings, turns her down out of fear and societal judgment. The rejection leaves Marguerite heartbroken as she is soon married off to Lefevbre, a wealthy tax collector.

Marguerite's marriage to Lefevbre quickly turns into a nightmare as he tries to force himself upon her. Seeking refuge in solitude, Marguerite finds herself in a dire situation, struggling to find any semblance of comfort or safety.

As Lefevbre's abuse escalates, Julien learns of Marguerite's plight and rushes to her aid. In a visceral confrontation, Julien beats Lefevbre, allowing Marguerite to escape her torment, leading to a pivotal moment of intimacy between the siblings.

The couple's moment is short-lived when a maid discovers them in bed together, igniting outrage within their family. Their father weighs the decision to send Julien away, but their mother choose to prioritize her children's happiness instead.

As tensions escalate, Lefevbre accuses Julien and Marguerite of incest and adultery, branding them as fugitives. The siblings go into hiding, evading authorities as they grapple with the severity of their situation and their deepening bond.

Amid their evasion, Marguerite discovers she is pregnant, adding to their tumultuous journey. Disguised as a man to protect her identity, the stakes heighten as they continue to evade capture from the relentless authorities.

Just as Julien and Marguerite attempt to flee to England, authorities receive a tip-off and apprehend them. The couple is forced to confront the consequences of their choices, knowing a trial awaits them.

During the trial, Julien and Marguerite vehemently deny the incest allegations, claiming they fled due to Julien's rescue efforts. As their father petitions King Henri IV for clemency, the siblings' fate hangs by a thread amidst the courtroom chaos.

Convicted and sentenced to death, Julien faces the guillotine first, and Marguerite succumbs to shock at witnessing her brother's execution. She is executed shortly after, leaving the Château in desolation as their tragic love story comes to a heartbreaking end.