Lucien de Rubempré (Benjamin Voisin) is an ambitious and unknown aspiring poet in 19th century France. He leaves his provincial town, arriving in Paris on the arm of his admirer, Louise de Bargeton (Cécile de France). Outmatched in elite circles, Lucien’s naive etiquette prompts Louise to retreat back to her husband, leaving the young poet to forge a new path. Lucien makes a new friend in another young writer, Etienne Lousteau (Vincent Lacoste), who introduces him to the business of journalism where a salon of wordsmiths and wunderkinds make or break the reputations of actors and artists with insouciant impunity. Lucien agrees to write rave reviews for bribes, achieving material success at the expense of his conscience and soon discovers that the written word can be an instrument of both beauty and deceit. Xavier Giannoli’s sumptuous adaptation of Honoré de Balzac’s epic novel, Lost Illusions is a ravishing vision of the birth of modern media.
Critic's Pick! “Lost Illusions” is sensational. Nobody paid me to say that. Well, actually, The New York Times did, but you should believe me anyway. ”
A.O. Scott
New York Times
"Wonderfully wild and catty"
Bilge Ebiri
Variety
“With its stellar performances, dramatic orchestral score and rich costume and set design, Illusions Perdues is a worthwhile, sweeping narrative of love, lust and literary ambition.”
Lovia Gyarkye
The Hollywood Reporter
“Sumptuous and surprisingly au courant cinematic retelling”
Peter DeBruge
Variety
"A beautiful piece of filmmaking, masterfully handled by Giannoli"
Sheila O'Malley
RogerEbert.com
"Period drama perfection"
Peter Bradshaw
The Guardian
"A joyous romp not to be missed"
Adam Solomons
Little White Lies
Winner of 7 Awards Including Best Film, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Supporting Actor, Best Male Newcomer, Best Cinematography and Best Set Design
César Awards 2022
Official Selection
Venice Film Festival
Official Selection
2022 Lincoln Center’s Rendez Vous with French Cinema
-Theatrical Trailer