The movie is based on the true story of Jeanne de la Motte-Valois, a young member of the aristocracy who is left destitute after the French monarchy is overthrown. Seeking revenge against those who caused her family's downfall, she hatches a scheme to steal a diamond necklace worth millions of francs that was originally intended for Queen Marie Antoinette.
Jeanne enlists the help of some skilled con artists, including her lover Rétaux de Villette and the infamous cardinal Louis de Rohan, who is eager to ingratiate himself with the queen. Together, they hatch a plan to trick the cardinal into believing that Marie Antoinette wants to buy the necklace, even though she has no such intention.
The scheme is complicated and risky, but Jeanne is determined to succeed, hoping to use the proceeds from the sale of the necklace to reclaim her family's position in society. As the plot unfolds, there are twists and turns, unexpected setbacks and narrow escapes, and ultimately a dramatic confrontation that reveals the true motives of each of the players involved.
The Affair of the Necklace is a lush, visually stunning historical drama that captures the decadence and intrigue of pre-Revolutionary France. It features a talented cast, including Hilary Swank as Jeanne, Jonathan Pryce as the cardinal, and Simon Baker as Rétaux de Villette. With its mix of romance, suspense, and political intrigue, the film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.