The Rules of the Game

André Jurieux lands at Le Bourget Airfield near Paris, carrying the weight of unreciprocated love. He feels despondent in the absence of Christine, the noblewoman who holds his heart, as he grapples with his isolation and vulnerability.

Despite his heartbreak, André shares his feelings in a heartfelt broadcast that reaches Christine, who listens from her Paris apartment. This moment highlights his emotional turmoil and the depth of his unreturned affection for her.

It is revealed that Christine is married to Robert, the Marquis de la Chesnaye, and has been for three years. This revelation deepens the complexity of André's feelings and sets the stage for the ensuing drama.

Octave, aware of André's feelings, persuades Robert to invite André to their family estate in La Colinière for a weekend hunting retreat. The invitation is a clever scheme designed to bring together André and Christine, amid the presence of Robert's mistress, Geneviève.

As guests gather at La Colinière, various tensions become apparent. Schumacher, the gamekeeper, intends to eliminate rabbits from the estate while Marceau, the poacher, plots to take advantage of the situation, foreshadowing the weekend's chaos.

After discovering Marceau's attempts to steal from the estate, Robert chooses to hire him, recognizing the value in his skills. This decision lays the groundwork for future conflicts, intertwining the fates of several characters.

As the weekend progresses, relationships become complicated. Geneviève senses Robert's waning affection, while Christine plays the gracious hostess, creating an atmosphere charged with underlying emotional currents.

A hunting expedition led by Schumacher unfolds, driven by his desire for vengeance against Marceau. This outdoor adventure serves as a backdrop for the escalating tension and unspoken desires among the characters.

During the masked ball, the emotional dynamics reach new heights as André and Christine share their feelings and devise a plan to elope. However, misunderstandings and jealousies lead to chaos, rippling through the evening's festivities.

A heated confrontation erupts between Robert and André over Christine, showcasing the fervor of their feelings. This clash highlights the intense emotions that have built up throughout the weekend.

In the solitude of the greenhouse, Octave reveals his own feelings for Christine, complicating matters further. Christine finds herself torn between her loyalty to André and Octave's affections during this crucial moment.

Amidst the turmoil, Schumacher and Marceau mistakenly identify Christine, cloaked in Lisette's outerwear, as Lisette during a crucial moment. This error leads to increasing tensions as jealousy and rage simmer beneath the surface.

As André dons Octave's coat in a desperate attempt to avoid detection, Schumacher misconstrues the situation further, igniting his jealousy. The atmosphere turns volatile, and the relationships become even more precarious.

The weekend concludes with Octave and Marceau slipping away into the night, while Robert takes steps to bury the chaos and maintain his facade. He assures everyone that the impending shooting will be labeled an unfortunate accident, contrasting with the emotional fallout among the guests.

As the dust settles, relationships remain fractured, and the aftermath of the weekend's events leaves a lingering uncertainty. Each character must confront the repercussions of their choices, reshaping their futures in the shadow of love, jealousy, and betrayal.