Watch Colette

Colette is a period drama biopic film released in 2018 that tells the story of French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, played by Keira Knightley. The movie depicts Colette's life journey from a young girl living in rural France to a renowned author in Paris, who fought for her intellectual property rights and challenged gender norms in the early 20th century.

Set in the late 19th century, Colette follows the life of a young Colette who marries the wealthy but selfish Willy (Dominic West). The movie initially portrays their marriage as romantic and extravagant, yet their union is only for convenience that eventually becomes an abusive partnership. Willy is a famous and successful writer, who coerces Colette to ghostwrite his novels. Colette's talent for writing becomes apparent to Willy, leading him to use her talent to publish more successful novels. Willy's behavior towards Colette is merely exploitative, and he sees her as his property. He belittles her talent and binds her to what he believes is her role as a wife. Despite his cruelty, Colette is an obedient wife and falls in line with his expectations until she realizes her potential as a writer and as a woman who can make her own choices.

When Willy eventually betrays her, Colette must find a way to stand on her own and fight for her art and her identity. She publishes her novels and becomes a sensation in Paris, creating a new path for herself and for other women writers. Despite Willy's attempts to discredit her work, Colette's writing ultimately takes center stage, becoming a symbol of female empowerment.

Throughout the movie, Colette's journey to self-discovery and individuality emphasizes themes of gender roles, sexual liberation, and artistic autonomy. Keira Knightley's portrayal of Colette is impressive and credible, capturing both her vulnerability and strength. Fiona Shaw delivers a memorable performance as Colette's supportive mother who encourages her to fight for what she believes in.

The film's setting in Belle Époque Paris is captivating and beautifully cinematographed, capturing the elegance and decadence of the era. The costumes and set designs are breathtaking and transport viewers to a bygone era.

Overall, Colette is a fantastic film that tells the story of a fascinating woman who fought for her place in history. The movie is a must-watch for anyone interested in feminist history, the birth of modern literature, and the power of self-belief.

Colette is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 51 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 74.