Widow Clicquot (2024) Movie Review: A Fascinating Yet Flawed Historical Drama – Where to Watch Online
In an era dominated by corporate biopics, “Widow Clicquot” stands out as a unique blend of historical drama and feminist storytelling. Directed by Thomas Napper, this 2024 release offers an intriguing exploration of the life of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot, the woman behind the renowned French champagne house Veuve Clicquot. Set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars in the 1800s, the film presents a compelling narrative of a woman defying societal expectations and overcoming monumental challenges to establish a legacy that still resonates today.
A Tale of Determination and Innovation
At its core, “Widow Clicquot” is the story of Barbe-Nicole, portrayed by Haley Bennett, who is left widowed at the age of 26 when her husband François Clicquot (Tom Sturridge) passes away. As the heir to a struggling champagne business, François leaves behind a company teetering on the brink of collapse. Faced with overwhelming odds, including wartime embargoes and financial ruin, Barbe-Nicole takes the reins of the company, determined to turn it into a success. Her journey is marked by perseverance, innovation, and a deep passion for the craft of winemaking.
The film highlights her contributions to the champagne industry, particularly her invention of the riddling table, a crucial process that revolutionized champagne production. This innovation not only saved her business but also set the standard for modern champagne-making techniques. Through Bennett’s portrayal, Barbe-Nicole emerges as one of the world’s first modern businesswomen, a pioneer who challenged the norms of her time.
Historical Sweep and Cinematic Ambition
“Widow Clicquot” is a film with grand ambitions. The historical sweep of the narrative, combined with its focus on a strong female protagonist, recalls the epic romances of the past, such as Joe Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice” (Wright is also a producer on this film). The cinematography, helmed by Caroline Champetier (“Annette”), captures the contrast between the luminous past of Barbe-Nicole’s love with François and the bleak, war-torn present she must navigate. The film’s visual storytelling is complemented by a brooding score from Bryce Dessner of The National, adding an extra layer of emotional depth to the narrative.
However, despite its ambitious scope, the film struggles to maintain a consistent tone. It oscillates between a period romance and a suspenseful underdog tale, yet never fully commits to either. This tonal imbalance detracts from the overall impact of the story, leaving it somewhat disjointed and lacking the charm one might expect from a film of this nature.
Performances and Character Dynamics
Haley Bennett delivers a solid performance as Barbe-Nicole, evolving from a young widow overwhelmed by her circumstances to a determined businesswoman who refuses to back down in the face of adversity. Bennett’s portrayal is nuanced, capturing the complexity of a woman who must balance her personal grief with the demands of running a business in a male-dominated industry.
Tom Sturridge’s portrayal of François is equally compelling, particularly as the character’s descent into madness is revealed through flashbacks. François’ struggle with opium addiction and his increasing irrationality add layers of complexity to the film, though the decision to place him at the emotional center of Barbe-Nicole’s mission feels somewhat misplaced. This choice shifts the focus away from Barbe-Nicole’s own journey, which could have been explored in greater depth.
The supporting cast, including Ben Miles as François’ father Phillipe and Natasha O’Keeffe as a rival winemaker, provide strong performances that add texture to the film’s narrative. However, the back-and-forth structure of the film, moving between past and present, often disrupts the momentum, making it difficult for the audience to fully engage with the story.
A Feminist Narrative or a Conventional Tale?
While “Widow Clicquot” positions itself as a feminist narrative, celebrating the achievements of a pioneering businesswoman, it ultimately falls into the trap of conventional storytelling. The film’s resolution, while satisfying on a surface level, lacks the emotional punch that could have elevated it from a good film to a great one. The screenplay by Erin Dignam, Christopher Monger, and Tilar J. Mazzeo (based on Mazzeo’s biography of the same name) touches on the key moments of Barbe-Nicole’s life, but doesn’t delve deeply enough into the complexities of her character or the societal pressures she faced.
Where to Watch “Widow Clicquot” Online
For those interested in watching “Widow Clicquot,” the film is available on several streaming platforms. As of 2024, you can stream the movie on popular services such as:
- Hulu: “Widow Clicquot” is available as part of the Hulu subscription service.
- Amazon Prime Video: The film can be rented or purchased on Amazon Prime Video.
- Apple TV: Available for rental or purchase.
- Vudu: Offers rental and purchase options.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Available for rental or purchase.
These platforms make it easy for viewers in America to access the film, whether they prefer to stream it as part of a subscription or rent/purchase it outright.
Final Verdict
“Widow Clicquot” is a film that offers glimpses of brilliance but falls short of its full potential. It is a fascinating look at a historical figure whose contributions to the champagne industry are still celebrated today. However, the film’s tonal inconsistencies and conventional storytelling prevent it from achieving the greatness it aspires to. Despite these flaws, Haley Bennett’s performance and the film’s beautiful cinematography make it worth a watch, especially for those interested in stories of strong, pioneering women in history.
Whether you’re a fan of period dramas, historical biographies, or simply looking for a compelling story to stream, “Widow Clicquot” provides an engaging, albeit imperfect, cinematic experience.
