Dangerous Liaisons (1988) (2024)

Stephen Frears' is a scathing, Oscar-winning period drama that captures the moral decay and ruthless sexual politics of the 18th-century French aristocracy. Adapted by Christopher Hampton from his own stage play—itself based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 epistolary novel—the film serves as a psychological thriller wrapped in silk and lace. Core Premise & Themes

Set in pre-revolutionary France, the story follows two bored, manipulative aristocrats: the (Glenn Close) and the Vicomte de Valmont (John Malkovich). Dangerous Liaisons (1988)