Step into the 'delicious hell' of 18th-century French aristocracy with HBO Max's provocative new series, The Seduction, now available for Australian audiences. This French-language drama breathes fresh life into the classic Dangerous Liaisons story, offering what director Jessica Palud describes as 'the #MeToo of the 18th century'.
A Radical Reimagining of a Classic Tale
Premiering in Australia on November 22, 2025, this six-episode mini-series serves as both prequel and remake of the 1782 epistolary novel by Choderlos de Laclos. While retaining the core narrative, the show takes a bold detour by shifting perspective to the female characters. The story transforms Isabelle de Merteuil - memorably portrayed by Glenn Close in the 1988 film - from villain to complex protagonist exploring her origins.
Anamaria Vartolomei portrays the young Isabelle as a poor convent girl whose life takes a dramatic turn after falling for Valmont, played by Vincent Lacoste. 'She's a victim, she's an orphan... no money, no power, no contacts, no support,' Vartolomei explains of her character's humble beginnings.
Powerful Female Alliances in a Man's World
The series introduces a significant new dynamic by elevating the character of Rosemonde, played by Diane Kruger, from minor figure to powerful central presence. Kruger's wealthy, independent Rosemonde forms an unexpected alliance with young Isabelle as both women navigate the oppressive constraints of Parisian high society.
'What really struck me is that as I get older,' Kruger reveals, 'I realise that all these classic stories are told to us from a male protagonist, a male point of view. What would those stories look like if we shift the gaze and dive into the female storylines?'
The actress notes that while 18th-century women operated within severe limitations, they nonetheless possessed 'feelings and emotions and rage' that the series explores in depth. Their only available weapons in a society dominated by men were 'their virtue, seductiveness and money'.
Fresh Perspectives Behind the Camera
Director Jessica Palud's female perspective proves crucial to this reinterpretation. Lucas Bravo, who plays the villainous Gercourt (and gained fame as the 'hot chef' in Emily in Paris), emphasizes that 'it changes everything, to be honest. Because the way the eye lands and where it focuses is completely different than... the stories a man's trying to tell.'
Vincent Lacoste brings a more nuanced portrayal of Valmont, revealing deeper emotional complexity than previous adaptations. 'I feel like in this version, the feelings of Valmont are clearer,' Lacoste notes. 'Through the whole show, he battles between being the greatest Casanova, and being in love with a woman who hates him.'
Palud sees the growing alliance between Rosemonde and Isabelle as emblematic of contemporary conversations about women's voices across generations. 'We have young women who dare to speak more, who dare give their voice, who dare say things, with an older generation who sometimes says: 'We can't say that.' That's what the show is about.'
The Seduction represents a timely re-examination of power, seduction, and female agency, transforming a familiar tale into something both historically grounded and strikingly relevant for modern audiences.
