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HBO Max Premieres The Seduction, a French Reimagining of Dangerous Liaisons

Early reviews highlight a female-focused origin for Merteuil and lavish craft, with some reservations about pacing.

Overview

  • The six-episode French-language series debuts Nov. 14 on HBO Max with new episodes releasing weekly on Fridays.
  • Created by Jean-Baptiste Delafon and directed by Jessica Palud, the adaptation reframes the tale through a female gaze that Palud calls “the #MeToo of the 18th century.”
  • Anamaria Vartolomei leads as Isabelle de Merteuil, with Diane Kruger as Rosemonde, Vincent Lacoste as Valmont and Lucas Bravo as Gercourt.
  • The reworking elevates Rosemonde into a powerful mentor, softens Valmont’s portrayal and expands Gercourt’s role as a principal antagonist.
  • Critics praise the sumptuous look, costumes by Pascaline Chauvelle and production design by Florian Sanson, while Variety questions the six-episode pacing.