Tess (1979)

In the austere Victorian era of Wessex County, England, the pure yet resilient Tess Durbeyfield is caught in a whirlwind of social expectations and personal desires. Raised in a peasant family, Tess' world is shaken when a local historian reveals their ancestral link to the prestigious d'Urberville lineage. Eager to capitalize on this newfound heritage, her parents dispatch Tess to a nearby manor, home to the affluent d'Urbervilles. Upon arrival, Tess is greeted not by noble blood, but by opportunistic impostors who've purchased the d'Urberville title for their own ascent in society. Among them is the insidiously charming Alec d'Urberville, who offers Tess a world of luxury in exchange for her virtue. Torn between familial duty and personal repulsion, Tess finds herself ensnared in Alec's web of deceit, a decision that leaves her with a secret burden she carries alone. As she navigates this tumultuous period, Tess crosses paths with Angel Clare, a parson's son and aspiring farmer. They fall into a tender love, a sanctuary from the harsh realities of Tess' life. But as their bond strengthens, Tess is faced with a dire choice: to reveal her past transgressions with Alec and risk Angel's rejection, or to keep her history hidden, forever shadowed by the dread of discovery. In this poignant adaptation of "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," Roman Polanski explores the trials of an impressionable young woman torn between societal expectations, personal integrity, and the desperate yearning for love and acceptance. Tess' journey is a testament to the resilient spirit of a woman striving to navigate a world that seems determined to break her.

Tess is a drama movie featuring Nastassja Kinski.

Tess is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.

It is also possible to buy Tess on Amazon Video and Apple TV.