The Cousins

A young, impressionable man named Charles comes to stay with his wealthy, suave cousin, Paul, in Paris. Charles is naive and somewhat sheltered, while Paul is worldly and enjoys a decadent lifestyle. Paul introduces Charles to his sophisticated circle, including his mistress and a beautiful aristocratic woman. As Charles becomes entangled in their lives, he grapples with his own desires and the corrupting influence of his cousin's bohemian existence, leading to a tragic unraveling of his innocence.

Claude Chabrol's "The Cousins" was a significant film of the French New Wave, lauded for its sharp psychological insights and stylish direction. Critics praised its exploration of class, morality, and the disillusionment of youth, though some found its themes somewhat bleak. It was a critical success and garnered international attention for Chabrol.

• Praised for its sophisticated depiction of interpersonal dynamics and moral ambiguity.
• Chabrol's direction was noted for its stylishness and keen observation of character.
• Explores themes of jealousy, class conflict, and the loss of innocence with a dark, ironic touch.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciate the film's complex characters and thought-provoking narrative, often highlighting its mature themes and Chabrol's directorial skill. Some viewers find the story's conclusion to be somber, but its artistic merit is widely acknowledged.

Winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival (1959).

The film's original title was 'The Two Cousins', but it was changed to simply 'The Cousins' before release.