Dangerous Liaisonsis one of the pinnacles of French literature and has found its way in many adaptations.According toDeadline, Max will follow suit in a new television series entitledThe Seduction. The outlet states that this new venture will reimagine the events of the original book. Set in the 1700s,Dangerous Liaisonsfollows two former lovers who embark on cruel games, meant to torment each other. The Marquise de Merteuil tasks Valmont with seducing a young virgin, only for him to fall in love with her. The new series starsDiane KrugerandAnamaria Vartolomeiin a spin on the famous story. Deadline has published the following synopsis:
“To be the hero of your own story, you sometimes have to be the villain in others. Marquise de Merteuil, betrayed by Valmont, embarks on a daring journey to become Paris’ leading courtesan.”
The Marquise is typically portrayed as the villain of the story. She starts the game of seduction, by instructing Valmont to destroy a young woman, promising him that he will get to spend a night with the one person he wants the most. However, this is all a ploy to destroy Valmont emotionally by the end. Valmont dies tragically, leaving the Marquise to regret her actions. Modern adaptations such as the 1999 cult classic,Cruel Intentions, focuses on this and giving Merteuil her just desserts. This new interpretation appears to pose the Marquise as the protagonist, someone forced into a role that society set up for her. The skewed perspective is different but not necessarily out of left field for the property.
‘The Seduction’ Stays True to the Spirit of the Book
While the Marquise has been villainized throughout popular culture, she also has her reasons. Her motivations are depicted in the 1988Dangerous Liaisons, starringGlenn CloseandJohn Malkovichin the lead roles. The Marquise explains that she has had to conform to societal expectations perpetrated by the patriarchy. Her moves against her former lover are justice in her eyes.
The Seductioncould go in this direction, posing the men of the time to be the real villains of the story. There is enough historical context to support this theory. Women of the time had to marry for security, unable to have money or land of their own. They hold no power or autonomy, which is what makes this story so topical. As the synopsis states, if the Marquise attempts to be a leading courtesan, it may be the only way for her to be able to live her life in her own right. It differs greatly fromthe current attempt at aCruel Intentionsadaptation.
This daring new concept is still currently filming but is slated to release on Max in 2025. Until then, the latestCruel Intentionsadaptation is currently streaming on Prime Video.
Cruel Intentions
Two ambitious step-siblings at a prestigious Washington, D.C. college will stop at nothing to keep their social standing. After a hazing scandal threatens their control, they resort to extreme tactics, including seducing the vice president’s daughter, to safeguard their reputation and influence.
Watch on Prime Video
