IMDb 7.4 2021 HD

Lost Illusions

Lost Illusions

2021
Drama History Romance
149 min NR France
7.401 / 10
7.4 IMDB

Lucien de Rubempré, a young, lower-class poet, leaves his family's printing house for Paris. Soon, he learns the dark side of the arts business as he tries to…

Personnel // Cast & Crew

Director Xavier Giannoli
Starring
Benjamin Voisin / Cécile de France / Vincent Lacoste / Xavier Dolan / Salomé Dewaels / Jeanne Balibar / André Marcon / Louis-Do de Lencquesaing

How Viewers Describe This Film

Common themes and sentiments

ambitious satirical lavish cynical insightful complex visually stunning dramatic compelling theatrical morally grey thought-provoking

Reviews

I
Isabelle Moreau
Apr 1, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This adaptation of 'Lost Illusions' is a sharp, intelligent exploration of how dreams can curdle in the face of societal pressures. Benjamin Voisin's portrayal of Lucien de Rubempré is central to its success, capturing the character's vulnerability and…

A
Arthur Pendelton
Apr 1, 2026
3.0 / 5
3.0

'Lost Illusions' attempts to capture the sprawling, complex world of Balzac's novel, with mixed results. The film is undeniably beautiful to look at, with costumes and sets that evoke the period with impressive detail. Benjamin Voisin is earnest…

G
Genevieve Dubois
Apr 1, 2026
4.5 / 5
4.5

A truly magnificent cinematic achievement, 'Lost Illusions' is a glittering, often brutal, examination of ambition in the arts. Benjamin Voisin is utterly captivating as Lucien, a young poet whose dreams collide with the stark realities of Parisian society.…

M
Marcus Bellwether
Apr 1, 2026
3.5 / 5
3.5

While 'Lost Illusions' offers a visually sumptuous recreation of a bygone era, its sprawling narrative can occasionally feel unwieldy. The film meticulously details Lucien de Rubempré's journey through Paris's literary and journalistic circles, showcasing the allure of success…

E
Eleanor Vance
Apr 1, 2026
4.0 / 5
4.0

This adaptation of Balzac's 'Lost Illusions' is a lavish and insightful dive into the perfumed, poisoned air of 19th-century Parisian artistic life. Benjamin Voisin embodies Lucien de Rubempré with a compelling mix of naive ambition and burgeoning cynicism,…

FAQs

The film presents the world of arts and media in 'Lost Illusions' as a complex ecosystem driven by ambition, reputation, and financial gain. It exposes the often-unseen machinations behind artistic creation and public perception, revealing how talent can be exploited and how integrity can be tested. The narrative highlights the power dynamics within literary circles and the burgeoning press, suggesting that success often comes at a significant personal and ethical price.