Bel Ami 2012

In Paris during the 1880s, we follow the story of Georges Duroy, portrayed by Robert Pattinson, a destitute soldier struggling to survive in the bustling city. After spending six arduous months as an office clerk, his fortunes begin to shift when he unexpectedly reunites with an old comrade, Charles Forestier (played by Philip Glenister), who has thrived since their days in the war in Algeria.

Invited to the opulent home of Charles, Georges encounters Mrs. Madeleine Forestier (Uma Thurman) along with her captivating friends, Clotilde de Marelle (Christina Ricci) and Virginie Rousset (Kristin Scott Thomas). Through the influence of Mrs. Rousset, whose husband edits the conservative paper La Vie Française, Georges seizes an opportunity to publish his war diaries, gradually escalating his social status and financial standing.

Utilizing a blend of cunning wit and charm, Georges ingratiates himself with affluent women, maneuvering through the complexities of high society. As he ascends from poverty to wealth, darker clouds loom over him. Tensions rise, and chaos ensues as his relationships spiral out of control.

Tragedy strikes when the reverberations of his actions with his friends’ spouses come crashing down on him, leaving Georges entangled in a web of dire predicaments. This gripping tale of ambition, greed, and personal ruin paints a vivid picture of the relentless pursuit of success in a society fraught with deception.