Watch Dangerous Liaisons

'Dangerous Liaisons' is a bold, gripping, and audaciously provocative drama series from Starz that hit small screens in 2022. Inspired by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos's classic 18th-century novel, 'Les Liaisons dangereuses', the show offers an unraveled take on the novel’s iconic characters. Set against the backdrop of pre-revolution Paris, it presents a thrilling ride full of drama, passion, deceit, and heart-grinding suspense.

The series takes viewers to a vibrant, but morally corrupt Paris on the brink of revolution. This sultry retelling places focus not merely on the rich and elite but also highlights the struggles and experiences of those on the lower rungs of society's ladder.

The storyline follows the early lives of the master manipulators, Marquise de Merteuil and Vicomte de Valmont, exploring their twisted games of manipulation and seduction. Although these iconic characters are known from the novel, the series lends an interesting twist by delving into their formative years, discovering how they developed their intricate skills, and focusing on the circumstances that led them down a path of sexual power games and moral corruption.

This daring prequel brilliantly chronicles their ascendancy in the Parisian society and vividly portrays the romantic games these characters play with each other as well as with others who make the fatal mistake of underestimating them. Specifically, it provides a detailed look at how their toxic love story came to fruition and their rise to become the most notorious manipulators in French high society.

Filled with complex characters, 'Dangerous Liaisons' beautifully explores the themes of sex, power, ambition, and vengeance. It goes beyond a period drama, offering a reflection on contemporary society's mechanisms of power, the use and misuse of sexuality, and the often blurred ethical lines between right and wrong.

Each character is intricately woven into the narrative, showcasing their complexities and depth. The Marquise de Merteuil is portrayed as a young and ambitious woman, born into nobility yet desperate to secure her position in society and eager to challenge gender roles of that time. The Vicomte de Valmont, on the other hand, is shown as a charming and audacious man, born in a lower social class yet singularly focused on elevating his rank, whatever it takes.

The duo's tumultuous relationship is a cornerstone of the narrative and is intricately wrapped around power play and manipulation. As the series progresses, audiences are allowed a deeper look into their personal lives, understanding their motivations, witnessing their cunning plans unfold, and observing how high-society's structure and expectations directly influence their actions.

The series boasts an impressive cast, whose performances capture the seductive brio of the original characters and inject them with depth and relatability. Their performances, coupled with a sharp script and lush, detailed productions, breathe life into a decadent, pre-revolutionary France, churning with underlying tensions and secrets.

The visual storytelling is also a significant aspect of 'Dangerous Liaisons'. The costuming, set designs, and cinematography offer a fantastic blend of historical accuracy and expressive artistry. The series is carefully crafted to bring 18th-century Paris alive, complete with all its charm, lavishness, and impending socio-political unrest. The result is a show that not only conveys a compelling narrative but also creates a visual feast for the viewers.

In essence, 'Dangerous Liaisons' is a seductively entertaining series that uses its historical setting to explore enduring and universal themes of power, manipulation, and resilience. It offers fresh insights into familiar characters from a classic novel, presenting an alluring mix of drama, passion, and intrigue while providing a vivid glimpse of a society on the eve of a revolution. It stands tall as a captivating retelling of a timeless tale, rich in character depth, narrative layers, and moral complexities. The series doesn’t simply revisit old characters; instead, it reimagines them, providing viewers with a fresh perspective of their intrigue-filled lives.

Overall, this Starz series fearlessly pushes the bar higher for period dramas with its bold narration, stunning visuals, and well-crafted character arcs, keeping viewers enthralled from beginning to end. With its rich tapestry of romance, deceit, power dynamics, and eye-catching production values, 'Dangerous Liaisons' is not just a show – it's a riveting experience.

Dangerous Liaisons is a series that ran for 1 seasons (8 episodes) between November 6, 2022 and on Starz