Metropolitan (1990)

In the heart of a New York City Christmas, the season of debutante balls unfolds, capturing a world unbeknownst to those outside the city's elite circles. Amid the glittering glitz of these high society events, Tom Townsend, a young man distanced from his affluent roots due to his parents' divorce, stumbles into an intimate gathering of a youthful clique known as the Sally Fowler Rat Pack (SFRP). This group, self-proclaimed as UHB (urban haute bourgeoisie), embodies the essence of the city's upper class, a life Tom rejects despite his wealthy father. Tom, with his unassuming straightforwardness and seemingly uninformed opinions, initially appears an unlikely fit for the SFRP. Yet, his past connection to Serena Slocum, his ex-girlfriend whom he remains entranced by, and a certain imbalance of genders within the group, see him being invited into their fold. Under the mentorship of Nick Smith, the group's charismatic leader, Tom enters their world. Nick, while genuinely fond of Tom, harbors a distinct disdain for Serena's current beau, Rick Von Sloneker, a figure conspicuously absent from the SFRP. As the group traverses the deb ball scene, Tom becomes the silent companion to Audrey Rouget, the group’s reserved member who cloaks her profound knowledge of Tom behind a veil of shyness. The group spends their nights immersed in discussions of social mobility, spirited games of bridge, and debates on Fourier's socialism, under the backdrop of Manhattan skyline. Tom's simpler background and critical view of their lifestyle stands out starkly in this setting, yet he discovers an unexpected ally in Audrey, who secretly falls for him. As the deb ball season nears its grand finale, the future of the SFRP hangs in the balance. Will their high society lifestyle persist? Or will the members themselves question its continuity? Amidst the whirl of gowns and the clinking of champagne glasses, the story of Metropolitan unfolds, revealing the complexities of youthful friendships, class dynamics, and love in the city that never sleeps.

Metropolitan is a comedy movie featuring Edward Clements and directed by Whit Stillman.

Metropolitan is currently streaming on Criterion Channel, Max, Max Amazon Channel and TCM.

It is also possible to buy Metropolitan on Amazon Video, Apple TV and Vudu.