Appearances

Eve and Henri live among the French elite in Vienna, enjoying a flawless image of success, wealth, and control. When Henri cheats, Eve refuses the betrayal by striking back through a risky liaison with Jonas, a charismatic local she thinks she can manage. What begins as a calculated response quietly unthreads the social fabric around them, drawing in new partners, lies, and danger. As the plan spirals beyond anyone’s control, the couple discovers that appearances can hide far more than they bargained for, and trust becomes a brittle currency in a city that rewards discretion and secrecy. The characters tread a thin line between indulgence and danger, with Vienna as a glossy stage that amplifies every choice.

Directed by Marc Fitoussi, Appearances was released in 2020 as a tense European thriller set in Vienna. The film centers on elite social circles rather than big crowd scenes, aiming for intimate psychological tension. Fitoussi uses tight close ups and restrained dialogue to emphasize character psychology over action, while the Vienna locations lend a chilly, polished mood that underscores the gaps between elegant appearances and messy consequences.

Box office data for Appearances is not publicly reported, reflecting its modest release and status as a European genre piece rather than a global hit. The film is more likely to appeal to festival audiences and art house viewers who value mood and performance over grosses.

No major award nominations are listed for Appearances. The film appears to have traveled a narrow festival route and earned recognition mostly for its performances and taut atmosphere rather than a trophy haul. Its critics noted the chemistry between Viard and Englander, but awards remained scarce.

Audience reception sits around a mixed middle with a 5.8 average from 125 votes, signaling divided opinion. The film foregrounds appearances versus reality in a world of privilege, exploring desire, jealousy, and the costs of revenge when hidden motives surface. It asks how far people will go to preserve a flawless image, and what happens when the lie becomes the only truth remaining for the characters.