-Written by Michelle Vorob.
Let me preface this review by saying that while I do like period pieces, I typically am not drawn to anything that could be described or interpreted as a sweeping, romantic tale; but sometimes a story is executed in such a fashion that I'm drawn to it. Widow Clicquot is one of those exceptions.
Based on the best-selling book The Widow Clicquot by Tilar J. Mazzeo, Widow Clicquot tells the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (Haley Bennett), an epic tale of romance and determination. It just so happens that Barbe-Nicole is THE widow behind Veuve Clicquot champagne. She revolutionized the way champagne is made and in fact, her methods are still used today.
Widow Clicquot begins with the untimely death of Barbe-Nicole's husband, François (Tom Sturridge). Despite it having been an arranged marriage, Barbe-Nicole and François fell passionately in love. He taught her about winemaking, wanted to know her opinion and thoughts on life and his family business. He took her out into the vineyards every day. Their love grew in those fields.
Upon his death, François willed the business to Barbe-Nicole. He knew she would continue to be as vested as he was, but her father-in-law Philippe (Ben Miles) was already entertaining the idea of selling the land to Moet (yes, that Moet), while people were still paying their respects. Barbe-Nicole impressed upon Philippe her knowledge of the business, her love for François, and that he was “alive” in the land. Philippe allowed Barbe-Nicole to run the business conditionally, based on expected results.
As you may imagine, complications arise in every corner of Barbe-Nicole's life. She's a woman. A widow. It's the 1800s. How could she possibly run a successful business? Also, Napoleon is still waging war. As an aside, I was struck by how much of Barbe-Nicole's experience is still relevant to women today. Some good fortune of having some true supporters around her made a world of difference. This could have been a very different story.
Writing this, I'm recalling the gorgeous scenery and costumes. The cinematography was flawless and, again, I'm typically not one to remark on these elements. I usually also reveal more detail in my reviews and I'm not going to do that either, because the way things unfold and all the subtle things that happen are best left to your experience and interpretation of it, upon seeing it for the first time. That, of course, is also thanks to the wonderful, nuanced performances of the cast. Also something I don't usually remark on. Everyone is thoroughly perfect in their role and might I also add, unlike many sweeping epics, Widow Clicquot is a tidy 90-minute film.
In case you're still wondering, I absolutely recommend this film. Widow Clicquot is a gem of a film and definitely worth a trip to the theater. Lucky for you, Widow Clicquot arrives in theaters July 19th.
Directed by Thomas Napper
Written by Erin Dignam
Starring Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Sam Riley, Anson Boon, Leo Suter, Paul Rhys, Natasha O'Keeffe, Ben Miles, etc.
9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW
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