Year: 2003
Runtime: 150 mins
Language: French
Director: Jacques Rivette
Julien, a clockmaker plagued by self‑destructive urges, blackmails Madame X—a wealthy, seductive antiques thief. Unaware of her far darker secret, his scheme draws him back to Marie, the woman he loved a year before, thrusting him into a perilous web of love and betrayal.
Get a spoiler-free look at The Story of Marie and Julien (2003) with a clear plot overview that covers the setting, main characters, and story premise—without revealing key twists or the ending. Perfect for deciding if this film is your next watch.
In the quiet outskirts of Paris, a solitary clockmaker tends to the relentless ticking of his workshop, each gear a reminder of the fragile balance he keeps between routine and inner unrest. Julien lives with a lingering sense of self‑destruction that colors his every interaction, and his meticulous world is subtly disturbed by a precarious arrangement that hangs over his modest life.
Across the city’s winding streets, a charismatic and enigmatic figure moves through high‑society circles, dealing in prized antiquities with a seductive confidence. Madame X embodies both elegance and danger, her presence a tantalizing mix of allure and mystery that draws Julien into a game of leverage, where secrets become currency and every glance hints at unspoken agreements.
When an unexpected encounter brings Marie back into Julien’s orbit, the atmosphere shifts. Once a radiant beacon from his past, she now carries an uncanny coolness that feels both familiar and unsettling. Their reunion ignites a powerful attraction, yet beneath the surface lies an inexplicable distance, as if she is guided by forces that elude ordinary perception. The house they share becomes a stage for quiet tension, where ordinary moments are tinged with an undercurrent of unease.
The film unfolds as a moody, psychological portrait of desire, obsession, and the ways people try to anchor themselves amidst uncertainty. Its tone balances sensual intimacy with a lingering sense of dread, inviting the audience to linger in the shadows of unspoken truths. As the characters navigate their intertwined lives, the story asks whether love can truly tether those who hover on the edge of their own darkness, leaving viewers breathless with curiosity about what lies just beyond the ticking of the clocks.
Last Updated: October 23, 2025 at 16:14
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Story of Marie and Julien in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Story of Marie and Julien is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Read a complete plot summary of The Story of Marie and Julien, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Story of Marie and Julien with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.