Skip to content
What's After the Movie?
Comedy drama

False Confessions (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

False Confessions (2017) movie poster

False Confessions is a 2017 comedy drama directed by Luc Bondy and Marie-Louise Bischofberger, starring Isabelle Huppert, Louis Garrel and Manon Combes. It runs 1 hour 22 minutes and earned $56,165 worldwide. Critics gave it 33% on Rotten Tomatoes and 41 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10.

IMDb rating
5.1/10
Rotten Tomatoes
33%
worldwide gross
$56.2K
Echo Score
48
Loading streaming availability…
False Confessions (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 22m (82 min)
Genres
Drama , Comedy
Original language
French
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is False Confessions About?

The premise of False Confessions without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A charming but awkward man, Dorante, attempts to win the affections of a wealthy widow, Araminte, through elaborate schemes and deception. As he navigates the intricacies of high society, his elaborate plans become entangled with Araminte's devoted friend and her interfering mother. Dorante's pursuit of love is fraught with challenges, and it remains to be seen if his true feelings will ultimately be revealed and accepted.

Loading streaming availability…
Cast & crew

False Confessions Cast

Isabelle Huppert leads the cast, with Louis Garrel and Manon Combes. Directed by Luc Bondy and Marie-Louise Bischofberger; 10 actors are credited in all.

Ratings

False Confessions Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave False Confessions 33% on Rotten Tomatoes and 41 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.1/10. Our Echo Score gives it 48/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (30).

48 /100

False Confessions Echo Score Breakdown

False Confessions presents a visually distinctive yet narratively uneven experience. It displays a pronounced theatrical sensibility and stylized tone that some viewers may find intriguing, but the overall pacing and engagement falter. Isabelle Huppert’s committed performance injects vitality into otherwise inert scenes, while intermittent playful flourishes and striking design moments stand out. Despite these strengths, the film’s experiment in artifice does not fully cohere, resulting in a viewing experience that feels more like an exercise in style than sustained dramatic impact. Overall, False Confessions leaves a mixed impression balancing notable ambition with limited narrative payoff.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 55

    The film’s visual design is confidently stylized yet occasionally feels contrived. In terms of direction and production design, scenes display a polished, theatrical quality with distinctive composition and color choices. However, the artifice sometimes undermines immersion, as measured editing choices fail to sustain momentum. The net effect is a moderately engaging but uneven art execution.

  • Character & Emotion 80

    In terms of character and emotion, Isabelle Huppert delivers a nuanced performance that anchors the film. Her expressive presence and precise gestures bring depth to otherwise static scenes. However, supporting characters lack development and emotional resonance, creating an uneven ensemble dynamic. Overall, the strong lead performance stands in contrast to limited character depth elsewhere.

  • Story & Flow 35

    In terms of story and flow, the narrative struggles with pacing and coherence. The adaptation’s reliance on theatrical constructs leads to intermittent engagement and outdated tropes that hinder originality. Plot developments often feel predictable, and episodic structure interrupts momentum. As a result, the storyline lacks compelling progression, yielding limited narrative satisfaction.

  • Sensory Experience 65

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film offers a striking visual palette and cohesive design motifs that emphasize its theatrical roots. Costuming and set decoration provide memorable tableaux, while long takes of police videos create tension. However, the soundtrack and sound design remain unobtrusive, limiting atmospheric immersion. The sensory impact is notable but unevenly realized.

  • Rewatch Factor 30

    In terms of rewatch value, False Confessions provides limited incentive for subsequent viewings. The film’s formal experimentation and intermittent highlights lack the emotional or narrative depth to reward repeat engagement. While committed performances and select stylistic moments may appeal to enthusiasts, the overall tedium and structural unevenness diminish lasting appeal. Rewatch potential remains low.

Plot

False Confessions Plot Summary

What happens in False Confessions from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 13 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 1-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

Luc Bondy’s final masterpiece as a director showcases an impressive cast from both theater and film, bringing Marivaux’s play to life in the vibrant setting of 21st century Paris. At the forefront is the extraordinary Isabelle Huppert, who takes on the role of Araminte, a wealthy widow blissfully unaware that she has employed the lovestruck Dorante, portrayed by Louis Garrel, as her accountant.

As the story unfolds, a web of secrets and deception begins to entangle not only Araminte but also her loyal friend and confidante, Marton, played by Manon Combes. Manipulated by Dorante and his cunning accomplice, Dubois, depicted by Yves Jacques, Araminte finds herself at the mercy of a romantic scheme that tests her heart.

Full summary

The whole story of False Confessions, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

False Confessions Box Office

False Confessions grossed $56,165 worldwide. $29,245 came from the US and Canada and $26,920 (48%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$56.2K

US & Canada
$29.2K
International
$26.9K
US & Canada 52% Rest of the world 48%
Videos

False Confessions Trailers & Videos

The trailer of False Confessions.

False Confessions @ CPH:DOX 2018
Quiz

How Well Do You Know False Confessions?

9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 9

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered

Who is the director of 'False Confessions'?

Cars

Cars in False Confessions

4 cars on screen, including the 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 and the Mercedes-Benz Vito W638.

  • 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 in False Confessions 2014 Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse W222 Minor role
  • Mercedes-Benz Vito W638 in False Confessions Mercedes-Benz Vito W638 Minor role
  • 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212 in False Confessions 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Klasse W212 Background role
  • 1996 Mercedes-Benz Vario T2 in False Confessions 1996 Mercedes-Benz Vario T2 Background role
Details

False Confessions Also Known As

6 alternative titles, including “爱情陷阱” and “As Falsas Confidências”.

Also known as
  • 爱情陷阱
  • As Falsas Confidências
  • Ложные признания
  • Falsche Vertraulichkeiten
  • 虚假秘密
  • 愛情陷阱

Seen False Confessions?

FAQ

False Confessions FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of False Confessions, each answered in a sentence.

How long is False Confessions?

False Confessions runs 1 hour 22 minutes (82 minutes).

When was False Confessions released?

False Confessions was released on July 14, 2017.

Who directed False Confessions?

False Confessions was directed by Luc Bondy and Marie-Louise Bischofberger.

More films by Luc Bondy

Who is in the cast of False Confessions?

False Confessions stars Isabelle Huppert, Louis Garrel and Manon Combes, among 10 credited actors.

How much did False Confessions make at the box office?

False Confessions grossed $56,165 worldwide ($29,245 domestic, $26,920 international).

How is False Confessions rated?

False Confessions has 5.1/10 on IMDb, 33% on Rotten Tomatoes, 41 on Metacritic and 80% on TMDB.

Does False Confessions have a post-credit scene?

No. False Confessions has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is False Confessions in?

The original language of False Confessions is French.

Coming soon to your phone

The Plot Explained Movie Summary App

From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.

Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app