As a huge fan of historical dramas that highlight the resilience and determination of strong women, I was absolutely captivated by the true story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, as beautifully portrayed in “Widow Clicquot.” The film follows this indomitable woman who faced grief, war, and an oppressive patriarchy to leave a legacy that continues today. Haley Bennett delivers a nuanced performance over a layered narrative that unfolds too quickly in the relatively short, 90-minute runtime.
In a captivating retelling, Madam Clicquot recounts the inspiring journey of a tenacious woman who defied sorrow, conflict, and restrictive societal norms to leave an enduring impact. Despite being underestimated and misunderstood due to her gender, she was known for her wisdom and intelligence. Haley Bennett delivers a multidimensional portrayal in this brief, 90-minute biopic. The initial plot twists gain new meaning as hidden truths come to light. Despite its complex narrative structure with frequent flashbacks, the film manages to keep viewers engaged.
The Widow Clicquot Saves Her Vineyard from Moët & Droit
At a solemn event, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (Bennett) takes a deep sigh as her maid helps bathe her. Despite her efforts to keep calm, the tightening of her corset brings back painful memories. In an adjoining room lies the body of her late husband, François (Tom Sturridge). Overwhelmed by recollections of their past, she refuses to look. Clasping her young daughter Clementine (Cecily Cleeve) close, they watch as the funeral procession winds its way through the grand vineyards of Champagne, France, in 1805.
Clementine rushed back to the house, weeping. Barbe-Nicole quickly caught up but saw her father-in-law, Philippe Clicquot (Ben Miles), leading a band of men through the vineyards. He beckoned Clementine aside for a startling revelation. Jean-Remy Moët (Nick Farrell) had presented an attractive proposal to purchase the estate. She would need to consider selling the company to prevent her and Clementine from enduring a life of hardship. The trio, joined by Droite (Paul Rhys) and others, encircled her menacingly.
Barbe-Nicole firmly declines to part with the vineyard, holding onto François’ dream with unyielding determination. The memory of him lives on through the vines, which is a source of great significance to her. Philippe and Droite express doubts about her mental state, assuming she’s despairing and misjudging the situation at hand. They fail to comprehend the depth of a widow’s resolve in preserving a vineyard on the brink of financial ruin. Barbe-Nicole clarifies that it is not their call to make as everything was left to her by François.
Haley Bennett Plays an Indomitable Woman
During Napoleon Bonaparte’s failed attempt to conquer Russia in the early 1800s, Barbe-Nicole Clicquot, a widow, navigates through legal restrictions that prohibited women from owning businesses. Defying these regulations as a bereaved spouse, she encounters another significant challenge. Trade between companies and countries at odds with France was forbidden. Selling wine to François’ previous European clients could result in treason charges. To add to her troubles, Edouard (Anson Boom), the vineyard’s accountant, informs her that even selling the latest vintage wouldn’t be sufficient to cover their labor costs.
Screenwriter Erin Dignam doesn’t let Barbe-Nicole, portrayed by Mélanie Laurent in the film “Denial” and “Loved,” have a moment to grieve. Instead, she is pushed to act swiftly or risk losing everything. However, it was essential to depict Barbe-Nicole’s romance with François, their shared experiences in wine making, and the explanation behind his untimely death. Dignam effectively conveys this storyline by frequently incorporating flashbacks into the narrative. Barbe-Nicole is easily transported back to those memories through specific triggers such as sounds, objects, or interactions.
At first, their relationship seemed loving and gentle, but in an unexpected twist, the second act revealed a very different side to this seemingly perfect marriage. The peaceful facade hid a marriage filled with alarming incidents. Barbe-Nicole’s initial perceptions of François failed to uncover the depths of his troubled personality.
The Oppressive Patriarchy
In her time, the deeply entrenched prejudice against women, manifested in Widow Clicquot’s era, underestimated the capabilities of women significantly. Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin defied these expectations by working alongside laborers in the vineyards, an act that shocked both the aristocracy and the middle class. The audacity of a lady to get her hands dirty and work like peasants was considered unthinkable. Her determination to challenge norms earned her more criticism, but being bold doesn’t equate to being perfect.
In the final act, Widow Clicquot skillfully dodges touchy subjects, eventually laying bare the truth. Hints subtly introduced in past sequences are resolved with different degrees of sorrow. Faced with challenges, Barbe-Nicole demonstrated strength instead of giving in to weakness. She felt it was necessary to safeguard herself and Clementine. Tears symbolized female vulnerability for her, so she endured alone. Bennett effectively illuminated a deeply concealed emotional turmoil that couldn’t be openly discussed.
Widow Clicquot should have been much longer. Filmmaker Thomas Napper (Jawbone), known as Joe Wright’s long-time assistant director, was too liberal in the cutting room. The film would have been more engrossing with less back and forth. He does a good job here but leaves dramatic meat on the bone. It could easily have been two hours. Everyone who enjoys champagne should lift a glass to Widow Clicquot. She transformed an entire industry through pure nerve and skill.
The film “Widow Clicquot” is being released theatrically in a limited capacity by Vertical, after being produced by Fourth and Twenty Eight Films and WME Independent.
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2024-07-22 00:32