Women’s rights have always been repressed. It’s a story as old as the world itself. Women have always had to prove their worth (be it their strength, intelligence or ability), while men often earn their place easily, facing far fewer challenges. When it comes to running a company or making important decisions, what are we talking about? No matter how advanced the world has become, there are still prejudices against women. If things are bad now, imagine how much worse they were back then.
Set in the early 19th century, Widow Clicquot tells the story of Barbe-Nicole (Haley Bennett), who marries François Clicquot (Tom Sturridge), a young man with big dreams of turning his family’s wine business into a world powerhouse. Tragically, François dies suddenly, leaving Barbe-Nicole a widow at the age of 27. Rather than conform to societal norms, where a widow is expected to mourn eternally and consider remarriage, she decides to take over the already struggling family business and turn it into what François had dreamed of: a legacy that would last for generations.
Barbe-Nicole faces numerous obstacles, to say the least. Simply because she is a woman, she is not allowed to run the business or refuse to marry if she intends to continue running it. She lives in a strange world where she must constantly prove that she does not need to remarry to let someone else run or own what was her husband’s and is now rightfully hers. Barbe-Nicole is a brilliant woman who intimidates men. Her attractiveness also causes additional problems. But her idea to revolutionize the champagne industry is so excellent that it will eventually make her one of the most powerful businesswomen of her time, known to history as the “Grande Dame of Champagne.”
In addition to the story and captivating screenplay by Erin Dignam, the film shines with gorgeous costumes, cinematography, and music. It captures the elegance of the period and reflects Barbe-Nicole’s strength and perseverance, as well as the skill with which she transitions from widow to business mogul. The film’s pace is slow but intentional, allowing audiences to fully grasp Barbe-Nicole’s genuine intentions to keep her late husband’s dream alive.
That said, Thomas Napper, as director, creates a visually captivating film that pays homage to an extraordinary woman whose legacy continues to influence the world of Champagne. With strong performances, especially from Haley Bennett, and a story that resonates with timeless themes of perseverance and innovation, the film is a must-watch for those who appreciate historical dramas and stories of female empowerment.