Magnolia Pictures has acquired the rights to Bel Ami, an adaptation of the Guy Maupassant novel by the same name.

Cast includes, Robert Pattinson, Uma Thurman, Kristin Scott Thomas, Christina Ricci (pictured) and Colm Meaney star in the novel about a manipulative young social climber in 19th century Paris. Bel Ami received its world premiere in Berlin last month.

Declan Donnellan (a British theatre writer and director) and Nick Ormerod (he co-founded and also manages the same theatre as Donnellan) directed from Rachel Bennette’s adapted screenplay.

“Bel Ami is a well-crafted, appealing film with a terrific ensemble cast,” Magnolia president Eamonn Bowles said.