Dangerous Liaisons (2022)

Dangerous Liaisons (2022) takes the classic thrill of romantic manipulation and drops it into a sun-drenched, modern Biarritz where surf culture and Instagram status feel like their own currency—and that contrast gives the film its bite. Rachel Suissa keeps the vibe glossy and intoxicating on the surface while letting a sharper, more uneasy tension creep in as Célène’s old-fashioned belief in “absolute love” collides with a world that treats feelings like content. Paola Locatelli makes Célène easy to root for without turning her into a saint, and Ella Pellegrini is riveting as Vanessa, the kind of charismatic presence you can’t look away from even when you don’t like what she’s doing. It’s not for everyone—there’s teen sexual content, strong language, and heavy partying—but if you’re in the mood for a romantic drama with a mean streak and a very current pulse, it’s a compelling watch.

Dangerous Liaisons (2022) wants to drag a classic tale of manipulation into the Instagram age, swapping powdered wigs for influencer clout and teen temptation on the Biarritz coast. The problem is the update often feels more like a glossy checklist of modern vices than a sharp, believable drama, so the twists can land as outlandish instead of devastating. If you’re hoping for the wit, psychological bite, and moral complexity that made the original story sting, this version may feel flimsy and overly dramatic. That said, it’s watchable if you’re in the mood for a sleek, soapy teen romance with sunlit visuals and a mean-streak premise, and you don’t mind heavy teen substance use and an R-rated edge.