by Widow Clicquot: Historically, wine-making, especially in France, has been predominantly a male-dominated field. Yet, one of the world’s most prestigious and luxurious champagne brands remains Veuve Clicquot. For those familiar with a bit of French, you might recognize that “veuve” translates to “widow,” leading to the natural question: why is this champagne brand named Widow Clicquot? Thomas Napper provides an answer with his film, Widow Clicquot, a romantic biopic about the iconic “Grand Dame of Champagne.” Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, who married François, a member of a wine-making family, saw their arranged marriage evolve into a genuine love story.
The film beautifully captures their romance, portrayed by Haley Bennett and Tom Sturridge, set against the picturesque vineyards of Reims, France. However, their love story is tragically interrupted when François dies, leaving Barbe-Nicole to safeguard their legacy amid growing challenges.
While the film oscillates between Barbe-Nicole’s grief and the complexities of wine-making regulations under the Napoleonic Code of 1804, it is evident that Napper’s primary focus is the romance between Barbe-Nicole and François. Napper, known for directing episodes of The Wheel of Time and working with Joe Wright on period dramas like Pride and Prejudice and Atonement, infuses the film with Romanticism, often reflecting Wright’s influence. The film excels when it embraces the romance and passion of the story, showcasing the emotional highs and lows of Barbe-Nicole and François’s relationship. The film’s most compelling moments are when it leans into these Romantic elements rather than the minutiae of champagne production.
Widow Clicquot (2023)
Rated: R
Genre: Drama
Synopsis: A young widow takes charge of her late husband’s struggling wine business, determined to transform it into a champagne empire. Confronting societal norms and business hurdles, she pioneers new methods and challenges conventions, becoming a trailblazer in the male-dominated champagne industry and leaving a lasting impact.
Release Date: September 11, 2023
Director: Thomas Napper
Cast: Natasha O’Keeffe, Haley Bennett, Tom Sturridge, Ben Miles
Runtime: 89 minutes
Genre: Drama
Writers: Erin Dignam, Christopher Monger
Balancing Romance and Business in ‘Widow Clicquot’
While the film delves into Barbe-Nicole’s contributions to modern champagne-making, the sections dealing with the business side of wine-making feel less engaging. The film struggles to clarify why Barbe-Nicole must maintain her widowhood to manage the business, a requirement imposed by the Napoleonic Code. This aspect of the film often overshadows the historical significance of her achievements. Instead, the film’s focus on Barbe-Nicole’s struggle to assert herself in a male-dominated industry, though important, sometimes detracts from the compelling narrative of her personal triumphs.
The film’s narrative occasionally gets bogged down by its focus on legal and business complexities, muddling the historical context with contemporary issues like the embargo between France and Russia. It misses the opportunity to fully explore how Barbe-Nicole revolutionized champagne, reducing the impact of her achievements.
Haley Bennett Shines as the Central Figure in ‘Widow Clicquot’
Haley Bennett’s portrayal of Barbe-Nicole is the film’s standout feature. She skillfully conveys a wide array of emotions, from profound grief over François’s death to the joy of her business successes. The film contrasts their passionate relationship with the subsequent challenges Barbe-Nicole faces. Bennett’s performance captures the depth of Barbe-Nicole’s character, portraying her evolution from a grieving widow to a determined businesswoman. Her emotional range, demonstrated in scenes of deep sorrow and moments of triumph, underscores her talent and dedication.
Bennett’s portrayal of Barbe-Nicole’s mourning and resilience adds layers to the character, making her the most compelling aspect of the film. Her performance shines as she navigates both the personal and professional challenges, showcasing her growth and perseverance.
Final Thoughts on ‘Widow Clicquot’: A Mixed, Yet Worthwhile Experience
As the film approaches its final act, it attempts to distill a complex narrative into a streamlined story of modern feminism and empowerment. This approach sometimes leads to a disjointed and awkward resolution, particularly in a final monologue that feels out of place. The character interactions, especially involving Louis (played by Sam Riley), seem forced and detract from the central themes of innovation and legacy.
Despite these issues, the core strength of Widow Clicquot lies in Haley Bennett’s performance and the portrayal of Barbe-Nicole’s remarkable journey. The film succeeds in highlighting her dedication to champagne-making and her personal evolution, even if the execution of its broader themes occasionally falters. Overall, Widow Clicquot offers a fascinating look at a pioneering woman in the world of champagne, buoyed by Bennett’s captivating performance.
