Widow Clicquot follows the struggles of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (Haley Bennett) taking up the reigns of her husband's (Tom Sturridge) vineyard after his death with few allies (Sam Riley and Ben Miles), a vineyard in debt from failed harvests hemorrhaging money, life under the temperamental rule of Napoleon Bonaparte, and fighting both and the elements and a world uncustomed to a woman running a business. While attempting to honor her husband by producing wine he would be proud of, the film also intercuts moments of their marriage highlighting his temperamental nature which led to his death.
The film is built around Bennett's performance which requires both a stubborn strength and vulnerability needed to cover her portrayal of Clicquot both during her marriage (in the flashbacks interwoven throughout the film) and running the vineyard afterward. The other notable performance comes from the vineyard, rather than another actor, which I would have enjoyed seeing more of.
In typical biopic fashion, the film hits the expected beats highlighting, but not delving into much detail describing, the innovations Clicquot made and obstacles she overcame to become one the most prestigious wine makers of the world and whose innovations champagne producers continue to model today. The film works as a primer on her life, a tasting if you will, but if you want the full vintage you would have do additional research elsewhere.
Watch the trailer- Title: Widow Clicquot
- IMDb: link
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