Les Dames du bois de Boulogne (1945)

In the shadow of lost affection, Hélène is enveloped in a storm of heartache and resentment, plotting a bitter reprisal against Jean, her erstwhile lover. Feigning indifference, she expertly masks her torment, leading Jean to believe they can part on amicable terms. Fate then guides her to a night club, where Agnès, a young dancer, is ensnared in a life of decadence and vice, a prisoner of her own poverty. Agnès and her mother, former acquaintances of Hélène, are promised a chance at redemption, an escape from their debasing existence. Hélène offers them sanctuary in a secluded apartment, their identities concealed from the prying eyes of the world. As the days pass, she meticulously orchestrates an encounter between Jean and Agnès in the mesmerizing landscape of Bois de Boulogne. Jean, entranced by Agnès's perceived innocence and rural charm, descends into a vortex of obsession, spurred on by Hélène's silent prodding and Agnès's elusive demeanor. Hélène's ultimate objective: a matrimonial union between Jean and Agnès. And in the aftermath, a devastating revelation - Jean's innocent bride is none other than a fallen woman, a revelation destined to shatter his world. Little does Jean know, he's dancing on the strings of Hélène's carefully crafted puppet show of revenge.

Les Dames du bois de Boulogne is a drama movie featuring Paul Bernard and directed by Robert Bresson.

Les Dames du bois de Boulogne is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.