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A rakish young libertine (newcomer Fu'ad Aït Aattou, looking like the love child of Jonathan Rhys-Meyers and Drew Barrymore) hopes to marry a virginal aristocrat (Roxane Mesquida), but one thing stands in his way: his decade long affair with the exotic Vellini (Asia Argento).

Big question: Does this pairing of daring actress Argento and controversial European director Catherine Breillat live up to arthouse expectations?

Catch it: Although less sexually explicit than most of Breillat's work (including "Romance," "Anatomy of Hell" and "Fat Girl"), her soapy survey of the "Dangerous Liaisons" era is a perfect showcase for Argento's carnal charms. She's an erotic powerhouse as the "illegitimate daughter of an Italian princess and a Spanish matador," yet still reveals a touching humanity under her character's manipulative sexuality.

Skip it: If you think tattoos and period romances are two things that should never mix. Argento doesn't bother to hide her ink.

Bottom line: The film's melodrama occasionally goes overboard, but it's a welcome antidote to traditionally stuffy costume dramas. And the inspired teaming of Breillat and Argento makes for a surprisingly accessible and involving look at sex and gossip, 18th Century-style.

[“The Last Mistress" is also available through “IFC In Theaters,” a video on demand service from select cable providers and DirecTV.]

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