There have been nearly 30 movie adaptations and countless TV shows of Alexandre Dumas’ The Count of Monte-Cristo, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s a classic tale of fate, justice, corruption, and love, making it an educational and entertaining watch. You might think, then, that this latest one by Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patellière won’t add anything much to the roster, and in a way, that’s true. The film doesn’t change much of the dialogue, setting, and characters. It stands out, however, for being impressively concise and fast-paced without sacrificing the novel’s weighty themes and messages. Even if you already know what happens in this classic tale of vengeance, it still feels thrilling—thanks to its impeccable pace, sure, but also, to compelling performances across the board and lavish costumes and set designs that transport you to 19th-century France. The film is three hours long, but it never feels that way.

Pierre Niney and Anamaria Vartolomei, who play the Count and Haydée respectively, are scene stealers.