The new HBO Max series “The Seduction” has premiered to a mixed critical reception, earning an unimpressive 50% score on the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes. The French-language period drama, which serves as a prequel to the famous story “Dangerous Liaisons,” launched on November 14, 2025. While some reviewers have praised its strong performances and lavish production design, others found its storytelling repetitive and lacking the weight of the original source material.
A Split Verdict from Critics
The 50% Tomatometer score indicates that critics are almost evenly divided in their opinions of the show. A Rotten Tomatoes score represents the percentage of critics who gave a series a positive review, rather than an average of their ratings. This means half of the published reviews were favorable, while the other half were negative.
Positive reviews have highlighted the show’s visual appeal. The series is described as a “visual feast for the eyes” thanks to its detailed costumes and rich production design. The performances, particularly by leads Anamaria Vartolomei and Diane Kruger, have also been widely commended for bringing emotion and presence to the script.
However, negative critiques point to significant flaws. Some critics noted that the series “loses its luster halfway through,” becoming a “tedious and redundant display.” A common complaint is that the six-episode season feels stretched, with the narrative losing momentum in the middle episodes. One review suggested the show might have worked better as a tighter four-part series.
The Story of Revenge and Power
Loosely based on Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 18th-century novel “Les Liaisons Dangereuses,” “The Seduction” is a tale of power, revenge, and sexual freedom. The story operates as a prequel, exploring the origins of the Marquise de Merteuil decades before the events of the original novel.
The series follows Isabelle de Merteuil (Anamaria Vartolomei), a poor orphan who is seduced and betrayed by the fraudulent Vicomte de Valmont (Vincent Lacoste). After being disgraced and cast out of her convent, a furious Isabelle is determined to get revenge. She seeks out Valmont’s aunt, Madame de Rosemonde (Diane Kruger), who mentors her and transforms her into one of Paris’s leading courtesans.
The show is initially enticing, boasting a feminist twist that distinguishes it from other adaptations like “Cruel Intentions.”
– Variety
As Isabelle rises in status by marrying an older man, she begins to masterfully use her wit and sexuality as weapons to manipulate those around her. Her games of seduction are aimed at securing her position in high society and bringing Valmont to his knees, though her schemes eventually turn vicious and begin to harm innocent people caught in her web.
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Standout Performances and Polarizing Elements
Despite the divided critical opinion, most agree on the strength of the cast. Diane Kruger’s performance as the cunning Madame de Rosemonde has been singled out as a scene-stealing effort that elevates the entire production. Vincent Lacoste is also noted as being “perfectly slimy” in his role as Valmont.
Lucas Bravo, known for Emily in Paris, appears in a very different role as the lecherous Comte de Gercourt. His performance has been described as a “ridiculously good villain,” with one review calling him the “real hero” of the series for showing a dramatic range previously unseen by audiences.
The series is explicit in its content, featuring a significant amount of sex and skin. Critics suggest it is “not one to watch in public or with family.” While some found this sensuality to be a core part of the storytelling, others felt it was occasionally used more for mood than for meaning.
A Show Best Enjoyed on Its Own Terms
For viewers interested in streaming the show, the general recommendation from critics is to “Stream It.” The consensus is that “The Seduction” is a handsomely appointed series with fine performances and enough intrigue to satisfy fans of steamy period dramas.
However, reviewers caution that the series should not be viewed as a direct adaptation of “Dangerous Liaisons.” It is a liberal reimagining with different character motivations and a significantly altered ending that lacks the tragic catharsis of the nearly 250-year-old novel. When enjoyed as its own entity, “The Seduction” can be a “compulsively watchable treat.”
All six episodes of “The Seduction” are available in French, with the option for dubbed audio or subtitles. New episodes are released weekly on HBO Max through December 19, 2025.
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