Written by Sara Carabini
Similar to the meticulous care given by Barbe-Nicole at her vineyard, the development of Widow Clicquot requires time to reach its full potential. Initially, it presents a sentimental story of love, portrayed through the determination of the protagonist to continue her late husband François's legacy. However, as Barbe-Nicole unveils her ambitious nature and transitions from fond memories of her marriage to more complex ones, the narrative gains depth, offering a more substantial experience than its 89-minute duration implies, though not quite profound enough to establish a lasting impact of its own.
Erin Dignam's screenplay, based on Tilar J. Mazzeo's biography and enhanced with input from the brand's archivist, transforms the iconic yellow label into a representation of enduring love, female empowerment, and even cutting-edge technological progress (albeit one that appears less revolutionary two centuries later).
While contemporary origin stories like Air, BlackBerry, or Flamin' Hot reflect our present corporate culture, this film's historical backdrop infuses it with the romanticism of a period piece.
The story commences with François' funeral in 1805, leaving Barbe-Nicole overwhelmed with sorrow. However, she quickly springs into action upon learning that her father-in-law, Philippe (played by Ben Miles), intends to sell her late husband's vineyards to Claude Möet. Refusing to let go of François' beloved project, Barbe-Nicole requests to retain ownership and carry on his work of refining the craft of winemaking. As the narrative of Widow Clicquot unfolds, it intertwines recollections of her moments spent with François.
Like many biopics of this kind, the focus is not on whether she will succeed but rather on how she will do so and the broader implications. Barbe-Nicole faces numerous obstacles from the outset, including adverse weather conditions, financial challenges, and Napoleon's stringent trade restrictions. The narrative swiftly navigates through these challenges, akin to the concise delivery of information on a Wikipedia page. However, the most formidable barrier she encounters is the skepticism and resistance towards her leadership due to her gender, with doubts cast by various individuals such as her father-in-law, employees, and competitors.
Veuve Clicquot's portrayal of feminism in the 19th century may be seen as too simplistic, with a protagonist who is clearly sympathetic and antagonists who openly express sexist views like "she, a woman, is not capable of running this vineyard." The script barely delves into any nuances or ambivalence in Barbe-Nicole's own feelings about her position.
However, Barbe-Nicole's personal life presents a more intricate and compelling narrative. The deep love between the couple is evident right from the start. Reflecting on her husband's funeral, she whispers in voiceover, "It feels like nothing will ever flourish here again. A profound silence has descended upon the vineyard. Your absence lingers on everything."
In flashbacks, the young lovers are depicted as completely infatuated with each other. Despite not being a conventional match, Barbe-Nicole is captivated by this unconventional man who quotes Voltaire, serenades his grapes, and pens elaborate love letters describing their union as "the key to absolute bliss." Likewise, he is touched by her affectionate nature and openness, and thrilled by how swiftly she embraces winemaking under his guidance.
Continuing to pursue François' envisioned business, Barbe-Nicole is burdened by increasingly intense, sorrowful, and unsettling memories. The transformation of François' idiosyncrasies into erratic, volatile, and at times violent behavior due to untreated mental illness is evident. Bennett's emotionally charged portrayal effectively conveys her deepening distress and apprehension towards him and the situation. Simultaneously, Bryce Dessner's daring musical composition blurs the line between past and present by integrating real-life sounds, merging the sound of shattering glass into a dissonant symphony that echoes the stress Barbe-Nicole currently faces and François' past mania.
While the business aspect of Widow Clicquot is the reason behind Thomas Napper's film, it is the personal side that truly captivates viewers. Despite her concerns about technical details like bubbles and spoiled bottles, Barbe-Nicole's emotional journey with François overshadows these dry business matters.
Together, these elements create a compelling and occasionally poignant portrayal of a trailblazer who found herself in that role almost accidentally. Barbe-Nicole reflects on her grapevines, noting that their survival challenges strengthen them and bring out their true essence.
It serves as a charming metaphor for her personal growth, as she perseveres through challenges to become the renowned winemaker she is today. The story of Widow Clicquot unfolds as a fairy-tale romance, not between Barbe-Nicole and François, but between her and the champagne empire that continues to carry her legacy.