Directed by
Anne Fontaine
Made by
Magnolia Pictures
Middle-aged lawyer Bertrand Beauvois, portrayed by Fabrice Luchini, is a highly successful legal mind who takes on a challenging case involving Monaco businessman Louis Lassalle played by Gilles Cohen. He is tasked with defending Lassalle’s mother, Édith Lassalle, who has committed a grave act by killing her former lover. To ensure Beauvois’s safety, Lassalle assigns a diligent bodyguard, Christophe Abadi, skillfully brought to life by Roschdy Zem.
Amidst this tumultuous case, Beauvois finds himself irresistibly drawn to the charming yet notoriously promiscuous local TV weather girl, Audrey Varella. With her captivating allure, as played by Louise Bourgoin, Audrey seeks to cultivate a new life with Beauvois, despite the cautionary tales from Christophe, who has developed a friendship with him.
As their relationship becomes increasingly intimate, Beauvois indulges in passionate nights filled with wild abandon alongside Audrey. However, he soon realizes that he needs to sever ties with her, urging Christophe to assist him in making her disappear from his life altogether. Yet, fate takes a darker turn when Audrey’s reckless behavior leads to a tragic confrontation; after a heated encounter, Christophe’s actions result in her untimely death as he pushes her scooter off the road.
In a selfless act, Beauvois steps up to take the fall for the incident. As the story unfolds, audiences witness the poignant final moments where Mrs. Lassalle is released from prison after serving just one year for her crime, while Beauvois remains imprisoned, highlighting the stark contrast between justice served and the weight of personal sacrifice.
Introduction of Bertrand Beauvois
Bertrand Beauvois, a middle-aged lawyer, is introduced as a highly successful legal mind. He is depicted as a confident figure in the legal sphere, setting the stage for his upcoming challenging case.
The Case Begins
Beauvois takes on a challenging case involving Louis Lassalle, a businessman from Monaco. His task is to defend Lassalle's mother, Édith, who is implicated in the murder of her former lover, adding complexity to his professional life.
Introduction of Christophe Abadi
To ensure Beauvois's safety during the trial, businessman Louis Lassalle assigns a diligent bodyguard named Christophe Abadi. This marks the beginning of a significant relationship between Beauvois and Christophe, as they navigate the case together.
Bertrand Meets Audrey Varella
While immersed in the chaos of his case, Beauvois encounters Audrey Varella, a charming and promiscuous local TV weather girl. Her captivating allure lures him into a complicated and tempestuous romantic relationship.
Growing Intimacy with Audrey
As Beauvois and Audrey's relationship deepens, they indulge in passionate nights filled with wild abandonment. Beauvois finds himself torn between his professional responsibilities and his personal desires.
Christophe's Warning
Christophe, the steadfast bodyguard, warns Beauvois about the dangers of his growing attachment to Audrey. The friendship develops between them, showing Christophe’s concern for Beauvois’s well-being amidst the chaos of the trial.
Beauvois Decides to End Things
Realizing that he needs to extricate himself from the tumultuous relationship, Beauvois confides in Christophe. He enlists Christophe's help in making Audrey disappear from his life, highlighting his struggle to balance personal and professional commitments.
The Confrontation
A heated confrontation occurs between Beauvois and Audrey, showcasing the growing tension in their relationship. This moment signifies Beauvois's struggle with his emotions and the consequences of their passionate affair.
Tragic Accident
In a tragic twist of fate, during a reckless moment, Christophe accidentally pushes Audrey's scooter off the road. This incident leads to her untimely death, altering the lives of everyone involved in a drastic way.
Selfless Sacrifice
Beauvois selflessly decides to take the fall for the incident, demonstrating his unconditional love and guilt. His choice signifies the depth of his character and the heavy burden he is willing to bear for Audrey.
The Aftermath
As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses the stark contrast between justice served and personal sacrifice. Beauvois's imprisonment and his willingness to accept the consequences highlight his moral complexity.
Édith Lassalle's Release
After serving only one year for her crime, Édith Lassalle is released from prison. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the different paths of justice and the implications of Beauvois’s sacrifice.
Final Reflections
The film concludes with a contemplation of the consequences of choices made, both in love and law. Beauvois's story ends with a moral reflection on sacrifice, highlighting the essential themes of justice and personal cost.
Bertrand Beauvois (Fabrice Luchini)
Bertrand Beauvois is a middle-aged lawyer known for his sharp intellect and success in the legal arena. His character undergoes a transformation as he becomes entangled in a morally ambiguous relationship with Audrey. Despite his professional demeanor, he is propelled into a world of passion and regret, ultimately leading him to make a significant personal sacrifice.
Louis Lassalle (Gilles Cohen)
Louis Lassalle is a businessman with a sense of family loyalty, tasked with protecting his mother while dealing with the fallout of her actions. His character reflects the weight of responsibility, as he navigates the legal challenges and emotional turmoil surrounding the case. Louis marshals resources to safeguard his family but ultimately confronts the darker aspects of human behavior.
Christophe Abadi (Roschdy Zem)
Christophe Abadi serves as a bodyguard to Beauvois, embodying the role of both protector and friend. His character is depicted as sensible and cautious, offering warnings to Beauvois about the dangerous allure of Audrey. Despite his protective nature, he finds himself caught in a tragic turn of events, showcasing the complexities of duty and loyalty.
Audrey Varella (Louise Bourgoin)
Audrey Varella is a sensational local TV weather girl known for her beauty and flamboyant lifestyle. Her character embodies the theme of desire, luring Beauvois into an intense relationship filled with excitement and recklessness. Although she craves a new life, her actions lead to catastrophic consequences, portraying the darker side of romantic entanglements.
Time period
The film is set in contemporary times, capturing the modern lifestyle and challenges faced by its characters. It reflects the conflicts and moral struggles inherent in a fast-paced world, particularly in the context of personal relationships and the justice system.
Location
Monaco
Monaco, a small yet opulent city-state on the French Riviera, is known for its luxurious casinos, stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea, and glamorous lifestyle. It is a hub for the rich and famous, attracting visitors with its vibrant culture and iconic landmarks like the Monte Carlo Casino. The juxtaposition of beauty and darkness in this setting underscores the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters.
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Justice
The theme of justice is central to the plot as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions. Beauvois's sacrifice for Audrey's tragic fate raises questions about the nature of justice and personal responsibility. The film contrasts legal outcomes with moral dilemmas, illustrating how true justice can sometimes elude those involved.
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Desire
Desire plays a pivotal role as Beauvois is seduced by Audrey's charm, leading him into a whirlwind of passion and regret. This theme explores the allure of temptation and the complexity of romantic relationships amidst chaos. The intense connection between Beauvois and Audrey ultimately complicates his life and decisions, highlighting the often dangerous side of desire.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is explored through the character dynamics as loyalties shift and secrets are revealed. Beauvois's relationship with Audrey leads to an unforeseen betrayal that deeply impacts his moral standing. The film underscores how easily trust can be broken in the face of passion and jealousy.
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