Georges Duroy, a former soldier who is down on his luck, meets an old friend who introduces him to the world of high society in Paris. Through his charm and good looks, he quickly rises in the ranks, leveraging his relationships with wealthy women to further his own ambitions.
Duroy becomes involved in a love triangle with three women: Madeleine Forestier, an influential journalist who helps him advance his career; Clotilde de Marelle, a married aristocrat who becomes his mistress; and Virginie Walter, a wealthy widow who becomes his wife.
As Duroy climbs the social ladder, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the empty and superficial world he inhabits. He is willing to manipulate and betray anyone in order to achieve his goals and maintain his position, leading to a series of scandals and betrayals.
Ultimately, Duroy's ruthless ambition and insatiable desire for power and wealth lead to his downfall, as his past catches up with him and he is forced to face the consequences of his actions. The film explores themes of ambition, power, and the corruption of human nature in a society obsessed with appearances and status.