Quartet (1981)

In the heart of 1927 Paris, Marya Zelli (Isabelle Adjani), a woman of West Indian origin, grapples with the aftermath of her art dealer husband Stephan's (Anthony Higgins) conviction for theft. Left penniless and facing a foreign city's indifference, Marya finds herself seeking refuge in the home of the Heidlers, an enigmatic British couple composed of H.J. (Sir Alan Bates) and Lois (Dame Maggie Smith). As Stephan serves his one-year sentence, he emboldens Marya to accept the Heidler's hospitality, oblivious to H.J.'s ulterior motives. The Heidlers, however, are not merely offering succor to a woman in distress. Marya soon discovers she has unknowingly joined a long lineage of lodgers, each with their own story etched into the Heidler's peculiar household. Amid the labyrinthine alleys of Paris, Marya finds herself ensnared in the Heidler's web, her dependency deepening as they convince her of Stephan's bleak prospects upon his release. The couple's seemingly perfect marriage unravels, revealing a façade that masks the reality of their peculiar relationship. The convoluted drama intensifies as Stephan is released from prison, unleashing a storm of complications. He must grapple with his new reality, navigate his wife's entanglement with the Heidlers, and strive to reclaim the opulent lifestyle he once took for granted. In this whirlwind, each character is forced to confront their desires, deceptions, and the price they are willing to pay for their ambitions. Quartet (1981) is a tale of survival, manipulation, and the intricate dance between dependency and deceit in the City of Lights.

Quartet is a drama movie featuring Isabelle Adjani and directed by James Ivory.

Quartet is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV and it's also available on Fandor Amazon Channel, MUBI and MUBI Amazon Channel.

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