In the performance of her career, Gillian Anderson stars in this stunning adaptation of Edith Wharton’s moving and tragic novel, a love story set against a background of wealth and social hypocrisy in turn-of-the-20th-century New York.

Lily Bart is a ravishing socialite at the height of her success who quickly discovers the precariousness of her position when her beauty and charm start attracting unwelcome interest and jealousy. Torn between her heart and her head, Lily always seems to do the right thing at the wrong time. Conforming to social expectations she begins to seek a wealthy husband, but her quest comes to a scandalous end when she is falsely accused of having an affair with a married man and is rejected by society and her friends.

This screening will be introduced by Terence Davies.

This film is showing as part of IFI & Darklight: Terence Davies (August 24th & 25th).