Quartet

In 1927, Marya 'Mado' Zelli lives with her husband Stephan, a Polish art dealer, in Paris. Their life is comfortable, but it is about to be upended by Stephan's troubles that threaten to destroy their stability.

Stephan is convicted of selling stolen artwork and imprisoned for one year. Marya is suddenly left penniless with no means to support herself.

At Stephan's urging, Marya moves into the spare room of their acquaintances, H.J. Heidler and his wife Lois. She enters a new, decadent social circle she did not choose, and must adapt quickly to her new surroundings.

H.J. Heidler has a history of inviting vulnerable young women to stay in the spare room, only to seduce them. Lois permits this arrangement, hoping to keep Heidler from leaving her.

Marya initially resists Heidler's advances but gradually begins an affair. The relationship draws her deeper into the Heidlers' decadent world and its dangers.

The strain of living with the Heidlers drives Marya to desperation. She pleads with Lois to lend her money so she can escape this life and find a way out.

Lois remains unhappy and reluctant to intervene, fearing to alienate H.J. Her behavior toward Marya grows passive-aggressive and increasingly insulting.

During a hunting excursion to the countryside, Marya angrily confronts the pair. The confrontation pushes Lois to break down in anguish, revealing the emotional toll of the situation.

H.J. arranges for Marya to live in a hotel, and his visits become less frequent as their sexual encounters slow. Marya faces increasing loneliness and isolation.

Left apart from the Heidlers, Marya grows lonely and depressed, eventually contemplating suicide as she sinks deeper into despair. Her sense of future prospects fades as she searches for a way out.

During a tea party at the Heidlers' home, Lois casually reveals that H.J.'s previous mistress drowned herself in despair. The revelation intensifies Marya's sense of entrapment and fear about her own future.

Stephan is released from prison and must leave France immediately. Heidler threatens to cut ties with Marya entirely if she returns to her husband, forcing her to confront an impossible choice.

Marya longs to be reunited with Stephan but cannot choose between him and the man who holds her in his life. She stands at a crossroads, unable to resolve her conflicting loyalties.

Stephan realizes the truth of Marya's predicament, and the film ends with him leaving Marya to an uncertain future. The audience is left to ponder what comes next for both of them.