As someone who’s not much of a drinker, I’m not that familiar with the luxury champagne brand Veuve Clicquot, which literally means the movie’s title, Widow Clicquot. The film opens with a somber funeral of a young man who turns out to be François Clicquot (Tom Sturridge), making Barbe-Nicole (Haley Bennett) a widow at 26.

As if it wasn’t traumatizing enough that this young woman had lost a husband she dearly loved, her father-in-law Philippe Clicquot (Ben Miles) decided to sell the vines to competitor Jean-Remy Moët. Somehow she’s able to convince Philippe to let her take the rein and continue her late husband’s life work, knowing there is no shortage of challenges ahead of her. Bennett radiates strength and willful spirit, and convincingly embodies the essence of the visionary matriarch who navigates grief, love, and business with fortitude and grace. It’s always wonderful to see a portrayal of a complex, multidimensional female character, especially in a period piece.

The movie shows the protagonist’s journey in reverse in a non-linear fashion, gradually filling in missing pieces in the young couple’s life shared with mutual passion for each other and in winemaking. The flashback scenes show romantic and sexy scenes between Barbe-Nicole and her husband, canoodling on the vineyard grounds, stealing kisses in the hallway. He also trusts her with the creative side of the business, which explains why she’s so adamant about carrying on his legacy so that she can pass it along to their daughter Clementine (Cecily Cleeve).

Directed by Thomas Napper from a script by Erin Dignam, the film shows how the Napoleonic war embargoes add more wrinkles to the business challenges that Barbe-Nicole faces as she tries to outwit her competitors. It doesn’t help that everyone, including her own father-in-law, seems to want her to fail, though Philippe’s accountant Edouard (Anson Boon) is sympathetic to her cause. Louis Bohne (Sam Riley), a well-known wine merchant and François’s personal friend also becomes her ally. The film seems to hint there’s more to Louis than a platonic friendship, perhaps they’re bisexual? In any case, Louis counsels her on her wine production and helps her manage the vineyard workers, though he doesn’t immediately agree to distribute her wine.

I’m always thrilled to see Riley in anything, he’s such a talented but underrated actor who deserves more leading roles after his outstanding performance in Control. He and Bennett have an easy chemistry, having worked together in romance drama She Is Love. Barbe-Nicole lights up whenever Louis comes to visit and one night she comes on to him, which is quite scandalous in early 19th century France. Napper skillfully blends romance and wine-related history lessons in a mere 90 minutes, shedding light on why Barbe-Nicole is hailed as the Grande Dame of Champagne. It’s fascinating to learn that she’s the one who came up with a technique to quickly filter champagne, giving her an edge in getting her product to market ahead of competitors.

Though the film’s pacing is a bit slow, I find it engaging throughout with charming performances, impeccable art direction, and gorgeous scenery of the Chablis wine region of Burgundy. There’s something so beguiling and intimate in the way Parisian cinematographer Caroline Champetier shot this film, who’s also done tremendous work in Annette. The music by Bryce Dessner adds to the solemn but elegant vibe of the film.

It’s worth noting that Napper got his start as a second unit director for Joe Wright, including the award-winning Pride and Prejudice, Atonement, and Anna Karenina. Wright and his real-life partner Bennett both serve as producers here. After Cyrano, Bennett once again stars in an inherently French story where most of the cast speaks with a British accent. The Florida-born actress is quite adept at accents and she’s got a melodious voice that’s pleasing to the ear.

In the end, it’s the luminous Bennett who carries the film and brings Widow Clicquot’s story to life. One doesn’t have to be a wine connoisseur or even like the taste of champagne to appreciate this story of a wine pioneer, so let me raise a glass to this exquisite gem of a movie.

This film is currently playing in limited theaters in the US

Have you seen Widow Clicquot? I’d love to hear what you think!

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