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What's After the Movie?
Historical drama

Lost Illusions (2022): Cast, Ratings & Box Office

Lost Illusions (2022) movie poster

Lost Illusions is a 2022 historical drama directed by Xavier Giannoli, starring Benjamin Voisin as Lucien, Gérard Depardieu and Jeanne Balibar. It is partly based on Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt. It runs 2 hours 29 minutes and earned $8.6 million worldwide on a $18.7 million budget. Critics gave it 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.

IMDb rating
7.4/10
Rotten Tomatoes
93%
worldwide gross
$8.6M
Echo Score
87
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Lost Illusions (2022) movie poster
Released
Runtime
2h 29m (149 min)
Director
Xavier Giannoli
Genres
Drama , History , Romance
Original language
French
Budget
$18.7M
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Lost Illusions About?

The premise of Lost Illusions without spoilers, adapted from Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt.

Set in 19th century France, the story follows Lucien de Rubempré, a young man with literary aspirations. Initially struggling to gain recognition as a poet, he is drawn into the competitive world of Parisian journalism. Faced with the temptation of financial stability and social acceptance, Lucien grapples with compromising his artistic ideals. He discovers the potent influence of the press and the moral dilemmas that arise when words are used to manipulate and deceive, ultimately questioning the price of success.

Lost Illusions Themes & Keywords

· 50 tags
  • male nudity
  • paris france
  • 19th century
  • writer
  • ambition
  • poet as protagonist
  • theater
  • journalist
  • media manipulation
  • sex scene
  • based on novel
  • angouleme france
+38 more
  • voice over narration
  • dandy
  • book publisher
  • french literature on screen
  • 19th century literature on screen
  • infidelity
  • death
  • 1820s
  • yellow journalism
  • disillusion
  • orgy
  • novel
  • title spoken by narrator
  • poetry reading
  • aspiring poet
  • critic as protagonist
  • literary critic
  • public appearance
  • keeping up appearances
  • cynicism
  • cynical journalist
  • idealism vs cynicism
  • inkblot
  • reference to jean racine
  • death of loved one
  • reference to chateaubriand
  • class differences
  • insincerity
  • reference to jean gaspard deburau
  • ruined reputation
  • literature on screen
  • european literature on screen
  • voice over
  • poem
  • hashish
  • prostitute
  • bank note
  • scandal
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Cast & crew

Lost Illusions Cast & Characters

Benjamin Voisin leads the cast as Lucien, with Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat and Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard. Directed by Xavier Giannoli; 12 actors are credited in all.

From the director

More from Xavier Giannoli

More films directed by Xavier Giannoli, best-rated first: Marguerite, The Apparition, Superstar and In the Beginning.

Full filmography
Ratings

Lost Illusions Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Lost Illusions 93% on Rotten Tomatoes and 81 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in character & emotion (90) and weakest in story & flow (78).

87 /100

Lost Illusions Echo Score Breakdown

Lost Illusions delivers a richly textured cinematic experience that largely succeeds in translating Balzac’s complex narrative to a modern sensibility. Critics and viewers alike commend its sumptuous production design, nuanced performances, and resonant themes that echo contemporary media concerns, though some note the film’s extended runtime and occasional pacing lulls. The consensus points to a compelling, if occasionally over‑ambitious, period drama that rewards attentive audiences.

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

  • Art & Craft 88

    In terms of art and craft, the film is widely praised for its striking visual composition and meticulous production design. Critics highlight the director’s ability to avoid a stale period piece, while users commend the beautiful costumes, sets, and cinematography. Minor criticisms focus on pacing rather than visual execution. Overall, the craftsmanship is considered exemplary and contributes significantly to the film’s appeal.

  • Character & Emotion 90

    When it comes to character and emotion, performances are described as thrilling, nuanced, and imbued with panache. Both critics and users emphasize the depth of the leading actors, noting memorable portrayals that anchor the narrative. No substantial criticism of the acting is present, and the emotional resonance is repeatedly highlighted. Consequently, the character work stands out as a major strength of the film.

  • Story & Flow 78

    Story and flow receive a mixed but generally favorable assessment. Reviewers appreciate the film’s ambitious adaptation of Balzac’s novel and its contemporary thematic relevance, yet some cite an over‑stuffed plot and leisurely pacing that dilute engagement. The voice‑over technique is debated, though many find it effective. The narrative’s originality shines, but pacing issues prevent a higher rating.

  • Sensory Experience 85

    Sensory experience is celebrated for its lush visual style and atmospheric soundscape. Critics refer to the film as a “sensual period piece,” and users repeatedly mention the gorgeous cinematography and immersive score. While specific commentary on the soundtrack is limited, the overall audiovisual execution is viewed as cohesive and compelling, reinforcing the film’s period setting.

  • Rewatch Factor 80

    Rewatch factor is rated positively, with many reviewers indicating a desire to view the film again due to its thematic depth and visual grandeur. Comments about lasting appeal and relevance to modern media suggest strong replay value. Some concerns about length and pacing may curb frequent returns for certain viewers, but the overall impression is that the film remains rewarding on subsequent viewings.

Box office

Lost Illusions Box Office & Budget

Lost Illusions grossed $8.6 million worldwide on a $18.7 million budget, 46% of what it cost. $126,391 came from the US and Canada and $8.5 million (99%) from the rest of the world.

2022 box office

Worldwide gross

$8.6M

46% of its budget back

US & Canada
$126.4K
International
$8.5M
Budget
$18.7M
US & Canada 1% Rest of the world 99%
Videos

Lost Illusions Trailers & Videos

3 videos: 2 trailers and 1 clip.

Official HD Trailer
  • Trailer Official U.S. Trailer
  • Clip
Details

Lost Illusions Also Known As

23 alternative titles, including “Comédie humaine” and “Las ilusiones perdidas”.

Also known as
  • Comédie humaine
  • Las ilusiones perdidas
  • 人间喜剧
  • 幻灭
  • Les il·lusions perdudes
  • Утраченные иллюзии
  • Sönmüş Hayaller
  • Illusioni perdute
  • Χαμένες ψευδαισθήσεις
  • 巴黎夢想家
  • Ilusões Perdidas
  • Elveszett illúziók
+11 more
  • Tabte illusioner, დაკარგული ილუზიები
  • Ztracené iluze
  • Stracone złudzenia
  • Förlorade illusioner
  • Verlorene Illusionen
  • Mộng Ảo Tan Biến
  • אשליות אבודות
  • 로스트 일루전
  • Izgubljene iluzije
  • Il·lusions perdudes
  • Изгубени илюзии

Seen Lost Illusions?

FAQ

Lost Illusions FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Lost Illusions, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Lost Illusions?

Lost Illusions runs 2 hours 29 minutes (149 minutes).

When was Lost Illusions released?

Lost Illusions was released on June 10, 2022.

Who directed Lost Illusions?

Lost Illusions was directed by Xavier Giannoli.

More films by Xavier Giannoli

Who is in the cast of Lost Illusions?

Lost Illusions stars Benjamin Voisin as Lucien, Gérard Depardieu as Dauriat and Jeanne Balibar as Marquise d'Espard, among 12 credited actors.

How much did Lost Illusions make at the box office?

Lost Illusions grossed $8.6 million worldwide ($126,391 domestic, $8.5 million international) on a budget of $18.7 million.

How is Lost Illusions rated?

Lost Illusions has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 93% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic and 74% on TMDB.

Is Lost Illusions based on a book?

Yes. Lost Illusions is partly adapted from Lost Illusions by Honoré de Balzac and Herbert J. Hunt.

Does Lost Illusions have a post-credit scene?

No. Lost Illusions has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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