Watch The House of Mirth

Set in the early 1900s, The House of Mirth is a tragic film that follows the story of socialite Lily Bart, played by Gillian Anderson, as she navigates the ruthless world of New York City's high society. Based on Edith Wharton's novel of the same name, the movie delves into the themes of class, love, and the consequences of societal pressure.

Lily Bart is a beautiful and charming woman who appears to have everything that society deems necessary for a happy life. She is wealthy, well-educated and is invited to all the important social events of the elite. However, beneath her perfect exterior, Lily is struggling to maintain her social status, and her financial situation is becoming increasingly dire. Her behavior, which society deems unbecoming of a woman of her status, further troubles her already precarious position.

Through the course of the film, Lily's friendships and relationships are tested as she becomes embroiled in gossip and scandal. She is courted by several men, including an older wealthy businessman, Gus Trenor (Dan Aykroyd), and Lawrence Selden (Eric Stoltz), a more genuine but less financially stable man. Despite her feelings for Selden, Lily finds herself drawn to the security that Trenor offers, leading to disastrous results.

As the film progresses, the audience watches as Lily's attempts to maintain her status and find true love lead her down a dark path. The pressure from her social circle and her financial difficulties increasingly take a toll on her, and she begins to make poor decisions that will ultimately have life-altering effects.

Gillian Anderson gives an outstanding performance as Lily, bringing a depth and complexity to her character that is necessary for the film's success. Dan Aykroyd and Eric Stoltz also deliver nuanced performances as the men vying for Lily's affection. The movie is beautifully shot, with lavish sets and costumes that transport the audience to the luxurious world of wealthy elites in the early 1900s.

Ultimately, The House of Mirth is a poignant examination of the constraints of societal expectations and how they can destroy even the most seemingly privileged lives. It offers a commentary on the corruption of the human soul when faced with the pressure to meet impossible social standards. With strong performances, stunning visuals and a thought-provoking plot, this film is a must-see for anyone interested in the complexities of human nature and society's expectations.

The House of Mirth is a 2000 drama. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.0 and a MetaScore of 78.