The movie, "Widow Clicquot", takes us through the astonishing journey of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot. Raised in a time when women were overshadowed by men in all aspects of life, this French woman found herself propelled into the headship of the prestigious wine brand, Veuve Clicquot, when her husband François Clicquot died prematurely. Barbe-Nicole managed to maintain control of the wine business, subverting societal expectations and enduring disparagement from male critics, including those at rival wine company Moet.
The movie is an international production helmed by British director Thomas Napper, featuring American actress Haley Bennett as Barbe-Nicole. It charts the protagonist's progression as she battles societal norms, stays committed to her late husband's ambition and tries to understand herself better in the process. The film also showcases how Barbe-Nicole's business flourishes amidst the champagne obsession that took place during the Napoleonic Wars.
Despite her trials, Barbe remains steadfast while honouring her husband's legacy, especially as we learn about François' shifting characteristics, from being erudite and idiosyncratic to being a bit unhinged, through the film's sequential flashbacks. While the film could have exploited this intriguing dynamic further, it valiantly portrays a conventional depiction of a woman's tenacity. Calling it a "girlboss" story might seem to oversimplify it, but it is not completely off the mark.
Overall, "Widow Clicquot" is an inspiring example of a woman overcoming societal barriers to become an influential player in a male-dominant industry.
