Weaving together several different stories about people's lives, loves, perceptions, and ideals, this examines some of the toughest questions surrounding human nature.

The vindictive widow Merteuil bets her friend debaucherous Valmont that he cannot seduce the virtuous (and married) Madame de Tourvel. If Valmont succeeds he may also bed Merteuil, but if he fails he must join a monastery. Set amongst the aristocracy in France in the 18th century.