Overview
A tale of seduction and unexpected love unfolds in the opulent world of Baroque France.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- lush
- seductive
- playful
- period drama night
- literary adaptation marathon
What critics said
Critics found the film visually sumptuous and more physical and humane than its rival adaptation, but generally judged it less witty, focused, and erotically compelling.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The film immerses its seduction plot in sumptuous Baroque interiors, costumes, and social rituals.
Valmont accepts Merteuil's bet to corrupt the honorable Madame de Tourvel.
Valmont's attempt to seduce Tourvel develops into genuine love.
The plot is structured around Valmont's concealed bet and Merteuil's schemes against socially vulnerable women.
Films like Valmont, and why
Dangerous Liaisons
eighteenth-century aristocratic seduction, sexual manipulation, and morally corrosive romantic intrigue
The Age of Innocence
lush period romance centered on social constraint, desire, and forbidden emotional attachment
The Piano
literary costume drama examining erotic power games and transgressive desire among the privileged
Movie Details
- Director
- Miloš Forman
- Release Date
- 1989-11-17
- Runtime
- 137 min
- Rating
- 6.7 / 10 (311)
Cast
- Colin Firth
- Annette Bening
- Meg Tilly
- Fairuza Balk
- Siân Phillips
- Jeffrey Jones
- Henry Thomas
- Fabia Drake
- T. P. McKenna
- Isla Blair
Where to watch in United States
- Rent
- Apple TV Store
- Buy
- Apple TV Store
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Valmont about?
- In Baroque France, a libertine’s wager to seduce an honorable wife becomes a perilous collision between calculated conquest and genuine love.
- What is Valmont like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Valmont as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Valmont violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Valmont as moderate.
- What did critics think of Valmont?
- Critics found the film visually sumptuous and more physical and humane than its rival adaptation, but generally judged it less witty, focused, and erotically compelling.
- Which films are like Valmont?
- Films with a similar feel include Dangerous Liaisons, The Age of Innocence, and The Piano.
- How long is Valmont?
- Valmont runs 137 minutes.
- Where can I watch Valmont?
- In United States, Valmont is available to rent or buy from Apple TV Store.
