French Exit 2021

Bank seizes Frances Price's property; move toward Europe

The bank seizes all the property of Manhattan heiress Frances Price several years after her husband's death. The close-to-penniless widow and her son, Malcolm, are left with few options. They sell everything in their house and relocate to a small Paris apartment owned by Frances' sister, bringing along the family cat, Small Frank, who is the reincarnated Franklin Price.

Relocation to Paris; settling in sister's apartment

Frances and Malcolm relocate to a Paris apartment owned by Frances' sister, starting over far from their former life. They bring the mysterious cat along, which serves as a constant reminder of Franklin Price. The move marks a fresh start but also tethers them to an uncanny presence.

On the voyage, Malcolm meets Madeleine

During the ship passage to Europe, Malcolm meets the fortune teller Madeleine, who predicts the death of a passenger. The warning unsettles him, and Madeleine notes the strange link between Small Frank and her deceased husband, Franklin Price. The encounter plants a seed of foreboding that threads through the story.

Madeleine links cat to Franklin Price

Madeleine explicitly recognizes the connection between the cat Small Frank and Franklin Price, suggesting the cat holds a part of Franklin's essence. Her recognition intensifies the mystery surrounding the Price family. She keeps this knowledge close, influencing subsequent events.

Frances befriends Mme Reynard in Paris

Back in Paris, Frances forms a friendship with her neighbor, Mme Reynard, establishing a social foothold in the unfamiliar city. The neighborly bond provides some stability amid unusual happenings. This new connection foreshadows further interactions in the community.

Frances attempts to strangle Small Frank

In a moment of volatile emotion, Frances tries to strangle the cat Small Frank. The cat escapes, leaving Frances unsettled and warning of the cat's ominous influence. The incident deepens the rift between Frances and the animal she blames for her distress.

Frances hires Julius to find Madeleine

Frances hires Julius, a private investigator, to locate Madeleine and uncover the truth behind the fortune teller's warnings. The pursuit of answers pushes the mystery forward and ties Madeleine to the Price family once more. The search also introduces a human mediator into the supernatural web around Small Frank.

Séance: Franklin speaks to the living

Julius locates Madeleine, who conducts a séance during which Franklin's voice seems to speak to the gathered participants. The event validates some of the supernatural suspicions and reinforces the cat's link to Franklin Price. The séance heightens the tension and deepens the haunting atmosphere.

Flashback: Franklin's death revealed

In flashbacks, the audience learns that Franklin Price died after Frances found him lying dead on the bed with the cat Small Frank perched on him. She delayed informing the police for days, leaving unresolved questions about what happened. The revelation reframes the family history and Frances's culpability.

Malcolm questions his birth; Frances explains Franklin left

Malcolm questions who his father really is, prompting Frances to admit that Franklin left them after his death. She clarifies that his departure shaped their lives and relationships. The admission layers past wounds onto the present tense of their Paris life.

Malcolm reaches out to Susan; learns of Tom

Malcolm calls his fiancée Susan, whom he left behind in New York, and discovers she has reconciled with her former fiancé, Tom. The news unsettles Malcolm and adds romantic complication to his already fragile situation. The call also underscores the distance between Malcolm's past and present.

Susan and Tom visit; Tom leaves; Susan stays

Susan and Tom visit the Paris apartment, leading to a confrontation that results in Tom leaving Paris. Susan chooses to stay with Malcolm, intensifying their bond amid the surrounding mystery. The visit tests loyalties and presses the pause button on individual plans.

Second séance; Frances confronts Franklin again

In a second séance, Frances channels her anger toward Franklin, seeking closure or retribution for the past. The session deepens the haunting mood and reveals the emotional stakes tied to the cat and the deceased husband. Frances's resolve hardens as the past presses into the present.

Frances pursued through Paris streets by Small Frank

Frances walks through the streets of Paris, pursued by the ominous Small Frank. The cat's pursuit symbolizes the inescapable pull of the past and the uncanny fate that follows the Price family. The chase heightens the suspense and literalizes the haunting.