Adapted from Honoré de Balzac’s masterpiece, Lost Illusions charts the life of ambitious romantic poet Lucien de Rubempré (Benjamin Voisin) as he ascends through the hierarchy of 19th century high society. Lost Illusions is an epic and visually sumptuous costume drama that chronicles the erosion of romanticism and idealism as Lucien is corrupted by the trappings of success and falls victim to his own hubris.

The film won seven César Awards, including Best Film and returns to the French Film Festival Selection by audience demand as Xavier Giannoli’s latest The Rays and Shadows / Les Rayons et les Ombresmarks another critical and box office success.

French with English subtitles

Rating: 15
Runtime: 2h 29m
Released: 2026