This film was only entertaining enough to prevent you from dropping it halfway through, I found myself waiting for it to end. The female protagonist is supposed to be a historical figure who invented several new methods for champagne production and revolutionised the industry. Yet in this film she doesn't feel like someone who commands respect or is inspirational, she comes across as meek and agreeable. Her deceased husband takes up too much screen time and her love affair with her merchant feels unnecessary, why exactly does she have to be sexualised in a movie about how innovative she was? I guess her husband being her raison d'etre wasn't quite enough, they had to sexually involve another man who also happens to be an important employee which her business depended on heavily.
In a weirdly vague manner, when Barbe was having a conversation with her husband about his relationship with the merchant (Droite), it was hinted that they may have had feelings that went beyond friendship between them; it was also vaguely hinted that the merchant may be attracted to men in a scene where he was supposedly flirting with a new male employee. So what exactly was that for? No reason other than the fact this film came out in 2024 I suppose. I almost thought that the flashback plot would involve cheating and some weird open relationship situation involving the trio.
If you're a champagne enthusiast watching this, don't expect any scenes explaining much about the innovations she came up with, because there's essentially none. It fails as a character study and it fails a drama. The only redeeming quality here is that you see Barbe struggle and persevere a little, but overall I wouldn't recommend this film.
