Director: Adrian Lyne
Writers: Alvin Sargent & William Broyles Jr. (based on La Femme Infidรจle by Claude Chabrol)
Starring: Diane Lane, Richard Gere, Olivier Martinez
Genre: Erotic Thriller / Psychological Drama
Runtime: 124 min
Country: United States
Language: English
๐ Plot Summary
In Unfaithful, suburban life crumbles under the weight of desire and secrecy.
Connie Sumner (Diane Lane) is a loving wife and mother, living a comfortable life with her husband Edward (Richard Gere) and their son in Westchester, New York. But when she meets the young, charming Paul Martel (Olivier Martinez) in Manhattan on a windy afternoon, a chance encounter blossoms into a haunting, passionate affair.
As Connie becomes entangled in guilt and secrecy, Edward becomes suspicious. The story escalates beyond betrayal into something darker and irreversible, exploring how even one decision can destroy everything.
๐ญ Starring & Performance
Diane Lane gives a career-defining performance, portraying Connie’s inner conflict, sensual awakening, and emotional breakdown with powerful nuance. She earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Richard Gere gives one of his most emotionally restrained and dark performances as the tormented but dangerous husband.
Olivier Martinez is charismatic as Paul – a seductive, mysterious character who represents temptation and risk.
๐ฅ Director & Tone
Directed by Adrian Lyne, a master of erotic thrillers (Fatal Attraction, Indecent Proposal), the film uses visual intimacy, slow pacing and somber lighting to build a tense, sensual atmosphere.
Every look, silence and breath is used to heighten the suspense, especially as guilt begins to erode Connie’s seemingly perfect world.
๐๏ธ Theme
Desire vs. Family: The film explores the tension between passion and routine in married life.
Guilt and self-deception: Connie’s inner turmoil is portrayed with emotional and psychological depth.
The Consequences of Infidelity: Infidelity doesnโt moralizeโit looks at how betrayal changes people forever.
Emotional Violence: Beyond the physical damage, the story shows the devastating psychological damage caused by secrets and loss.
๐ต Soundtrack & Sound
Composer Jan A.P. Kaczmarek provides a haunting, minimalist score that adds to the filmโs emotional layers, from longing to fear. The music is subtle yet memorable, reflecting Connieโs inner state.
๐ Reception & Legacy
Rotten Tomatoes: 50% (critics) | 63% (audience)
Metacritic: 63/100
Box office: $119 million worldwide on a $50 million budget
Academy Awards:
Nominated: Best Actress โ Diane Lane
Despite critics being divided on the pacing and plot, Unfaithful became a critical and commercial success largely due to Laneโs standout performance and Lyneโs emotive direction. The film is now considered a defining modern work in the erotic thriller genre.
