Widow Clicquot (2023)

Widow Clicquot pops the cork on a fizzy tale of female empowerment in 19th-century France but falls a bit flat. This historical drama follows Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin (Haley Bennett), a young widow who defies societal norms to take control of her late husband’s champagne business. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic era, the film bubbles with potential but struggles to maintain its effervescence.

Bennett delivers a sparkling performance as the determined Madame Clicquot, capturing both her vulnerability and steely resolve. She’s well-supported by Sam Riley as Louis Bohne, the company’s charming sales agent, and Ben Miles as the sceptical father-in-law Philippe. Their chemistry adds some much-needed fizz to the proceedings.

Director Thomas Napper crafts a visually stunning picture, with lush cinematography that showcases the rolling vineyards of Champagne. The period costumes and set design are equally impressive, transporting us to early 19th-century France. However, the film’s pacing is as uneven as a poorly fermented batch of bubbly, with the narrative often meandering between present-day struggles and flashbacks to Barbe-Nicole’s marriage.

The screenplay, while highlighting the challenges faced by women in business during this era, sometimes gets bogged down in technical details of winemaking. While wine enthusiasts might appreciate the attention to detail, I found these segments informative but a tad dry. That said, one of the film’s strengths lies in its exploration of the passion and creativity involved in winemaking. The scenes depicting Barbe-Nicole’s experiments with fermentation techniques are genuinely engaging, offering a glimpse into the artistry behind the beloved beverage.

The potential of Widow Clicquot is not fully realised, unfortunately. The film touches on intriguing subplots—like the suggestive friendship between Francois and Louis—but fails to fully develop them. The romantic elements feel somewhat forced, never quite achieving the depth or complexity of a well-aged vintage.

Still, Widow Clicquot is a decent watch for history buffs and champagne lovers alike. It’s a toast to female entrepreneurship and perseverance, even if it doesn’t quite reach the heights of cinematic excellence.

Widow Clicquot is like a middling champagne—it’ll do the job, but it won’t leave you buzzing. It’s worth a sip for its visual beauty and Bennett’s performance, but don’t expect a truly intoxicating experience. Cheers to a film that, while not reaching grand cru status, still manages to be a palatable vintage.