Film No. 12. WIDOW CLICQUOT. (2025). 3rd Feb.

 

Film No. 12 (2025) February 3rd.  6.30 PM  LUNA WINDSOR, Cinema 1, Nedlands.

"I know what it requires. I've been in the fields for years!" (Barbe-Nicole states her case to the prospective investors keen to buy her fields).

"NOMINEE: Audience Award (Thomas Napper) Toronto Film Festival." (2023).

Some of the best stories being told in contemporary times relate to women overcoming male dominated business environments, to not just succeed, but to unleash new and creative leadership methods. So what of the story of a woman who revolutionised the Champagne industry in the 18th century? 

Here we have the story of Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin, better known as Widow Cliquot, the name behind the label Veuve Clicquot attached to very expensive bottles of bubbly. If you are an historian in awe of the achievements of this madame of industry, before her time - then the film will likely disappoint. WIDOW CLICQUOT (WC) is more a double pronged love story. Widow, Barbe-Nicole, is less depicted as a steely woman of substance but more as a competent, strong, likable, even gullible female who loved and lost and then loved again as she battled adversity to achieved her goals. Director Thomas Napper (JAWBONE) is an experienced director of engaging TV series. WC  is a strong but gentle drama. It has a 'soap' quality. A quality soap, mind.

The flashback aspect to WC's "bubbly" persona wear thin. The fact her first love was a tortured soul (bipolar, perhaps) is understood. Not even love could calm his mind. We got the gist of this early on. I was keener to learn more of her empathic methods for conquering a male dominated industry, while working on mending her broken heart. It's a good yarn, never the less.  9GUMS.