Marguerite

Year: 2016

Runtime: 129 min

Language: French

Director: Xavier Giannoli

Drama

In 1921 Paris, wealthy socialite Marguerite Dumont secretly harbors a passion for singing, despite being hopelessly tone-deaf. Her extravagant parties hide her delusion of grandeur and unwavering belief in her talent. Encouraged by a journalist, and with the reluctant guidance of a former star, Marguerite decides to pursue her dream, challenging societal expectations and her husband’s disapproval. This poignant story explores the power of passion, perseverance, and the importance of self-belief.

Marguerite (2016) – Spoiler-Free Movie Summary & Plot Overview

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In the glittering aftermath of the Great War, Paris swells with an intoxicating mix of decadence and artistic experimentation. Against this backdrop, Marguerite Dumont, a wealthy baroness, hides a fierce, if unconventional, yearning: to stand on a stage and sing, despite a talent that never quite matches her ambition. Her opulent soirées become a sanctuary where the city’s avant‑garde gather, drawn as much by her generosity as by the promise of a spectacle that defies expectations. The tone of the film balances the opulent elegance of the Roaring Twenties with a gentle, bittersweet undercurrent that underscores the fragile line between illusion and reality.

At the heart of Marguerite’s world is her marriage to Georges, a man whose title and social standing secure her place among the elite, even as their relationship drifts into formal courtesy. Their partnership is a study in quiet tensions, a dance of appearances that mirrors the era’s shifting social mores. While Georges maintains a respectful distance, his own desires and obligations hint at an undercurrent of dissatisfaction that subtly shapes the couple’s dynamic.

Supporting the baroness’s dream are two unlikely confidants. Madelbos, the devoted butler with a photographer’s eye, is enthralled by the notion of capturing Marguerite in the trappings of operatic grandeur, hoping to immortalize a moment that feels both personal and historic. Meanwhile, the faded tenor Pezzini reluctantly offers his mentorship, bringing an austere, almost scholarly approach to her untrained voice, and introducing an intriguing tension between professionalism and compassion.

The film’s mood is a careful blend of wistful nostalgia and quiet humor, inviting the audience to wonder whether passion can truly transcend the limits imposed by society, class, and one’s own self‑perception. As Marguerite pursues her impossible dream, the story lingers on the delicate balance between love, ambition, and the stubborn hope that the world might hear a voice that refuses to be silenced.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 04:03

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Movies about delusional artists like Marguerite

Stories of misguided passion and the heartbreaking reality that follows artistic delusion.If you were captivated by the poignant story of Marguerite's misguided passion, explore these similar films about characters whose artistic delusions lead to tragic or bittersweet outcomes. Discover other movies that delve into the world of untalented dreamers, societal expectations, and the heartbreaking collision of fantasy and reality.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a protagonist on a sincere but flawed artistic journey, oblivious to their own lack of ability. The plot is driven by the growing dissonance between their perception and reality, often culminating in a moment of devastating clarity or a sad acceptance of their insulated fantasy. Supporting characters often have complex motives, ranging from cruel encouragement to reluctant pity.

Why These Movies?

They are grouped by their shared focus on the emotional core of delusion, creating a specific type of character-driven tragedy. The mood is consistently melancholic and poignant, balancing a sense of hope with an underlying dread. The pacing is often deliberate, allowing the audience to sit with the uncomfortable beauty of the character's misplaced faith.

Slow-burn period character studies like Marguerite

Slow-burn period dramas focused on the quiet tragedy of a single, isolated individual.For viewers who appreciated the delicate and melancholic character study of Marguerite set in 1920s Paris, this collection features similar movies. Find other poignant dramas with a slow pace that delve into the inner lives of isolated individuals within richly depicted historical settings, often leading to bittersweet or tragic conclusions.

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Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern is less about plot-driven events and more about the gradual unfolding of a character's inner life against a backdrop of a specific time period. Conflict often arises from the character's inability to conform to societal norms or from a profound internal loneliness. The story arc is typically intimate, concluding with a sense of melancholy or quiet resignation that emphasizes the character's tragic beauty.

Why These Movies?

These films share a specific mood blend: a delicate, melancholic, and poignant atmosphere combined with a slow, deliberate pacing. They prioritize emotional depth and character authenticity over complex plotting. The historical setting is not just backdrop but actively shapes the character's isolation and the constraints they face, making the era a key component of the vibe.

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Marguerite Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Marguerite

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