Image courtesy of Vertical.
When asked to think of the most esteemed vintners in history, you may not immediately think of a woman. But director Thomas Napper’s “Widow Clicquot” commands for that way of thinking to change, with a glimpse into the life of its titular character, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot.
Based on Tilar J. Mazzeo’s book of the same name, the film champions the world’s first international businesswoman, stepping up to the plate at the death of her husband. The film opens with Madame Clicquot (played by Haley Bennet) attending the funeral of her husband, François (Tom Sturridge), who we see via flashbacks as a very loving, yet very troubled man.
François has willed his portion of the ownership of the family’s vineyard to Madame Clicquot, much to the chagrin of his father—and business partner—Philippe (Ben Miles). When Philippe resolves to liquidate the business after François’ death, Madame Clicquot holds her ground, promising to save the vineyard from its shortcomings in the previous few seasons and get it back on its feet. With the help of Louis Bohne (Sam Riley) traveling far and wide to sell her wares—and a plan to position themselves as the first to sell their vintage to the Russians just as soon as the war eased—Madame Clicquot does just that.
With the stunning backdrop of late 18th-century France, the film takes us through Clicquot’s journey of resilience, innovation and success in a male-dominated world. The cast is as strong as they come, particularly Bennet’s portrayal of Clicquot herself, simultaneously capturing both her strength and vulnerability. Tom Sturridge and Sam Riley quite deftly play contrasting roles—Sturridge with his chaotic, struggling yet tender portrayal of the late François, and Riley with his sturdy, dependable yet tantalizing portrayal of Louis Bohne.
The story is not without the drama befitting a period epic. The personal details of Clicquot’s relationship with Bohne are heightened as a testament to Clicquot’s determination to forge her own path. Despite what is projected onto women like her, she manages to challenge societal norms and rise above.
The film is a must-see for history enthusiasts, wine connoisseurs and cinephiles alike. “Widow Clicquot” will play at Midtown Cinema this July.
Midtown Cinema is located at 250 Reily St., Harrisburg. For more information, visit www.midtowncinema.com.
July Events
At Midtown Cinema
First Run Film Openings
“Kinds of Kindness,” July 2
“Robot Dreams,” July 5
“Maxxine,” July 5
“Fly Me to the Moon,” July 12
“Touch,” July 12
“Didi,” July 26
Trivia Night
Tuesdays, July 2, 16 & 30
Down in Front! comedy riffing presents
“The Final Sacrifice” (1990)
Sunday, July 14 at 7:30 p.m.
3rd in the Burg Movie Night presents
“The Dark Crystal” (1982)
Friday, July 19 at 9:30 p.m.
Family Series
“The Dark Crystal” (1982)
Saturday, July 20 at 11 a.m.
Late Night Frights
“Alien” (1979)
Friday, July 12 at 9:30 p.m.
“American Psycho” (2000)
Friday, July 26 at 9:30 p.m.
Sunday Docs Series presents
“Fantastic Fungi” (2019)
Sunday, July 28 at 12 p.m.
National Theatre Live presents
“Dear England”
Sunday, July 14 at 4 p.m. & Sunday, July 28 at 4 p.m.
“Vanya”
Tuesday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
“Fleabag”
Tuesday, July 23 at 7 p.m.
Friends of Midtown 2024 Outdoor Film Series
“An American Tail” (1986)
Saturday, July 6 (rain date, July 7)
“The Little Mermaid” (2023)
Saturday, July 20 (rain date, July 21)
“Shrek 2” (2004)
Saturday, Aug. 3 (rain date Aug. 4)
“Grease” (sing-along) (1978)
Saturday, Aug. 24 (rain date Aug. 25)
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