Colette

January 7, 2019

Showings 4:30, 7:00 and 9:10pm

UK | Rated: N/A| True life drama | 112 minutes

Based on the life of celebrated French writer Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, the latest from director Wash Westmoreland (Still Alice) follows its heroine (Keira Knightley, The Imitation Game, Anna Karenina) through her marriage to Henry Gauthier-Villars (Dominic West, The Square, Genius), who whisks her away from a quiet and humble life in the countryside to live in the bustling and lively Paris.

Henry, better known as “Willy,” is a successful writer who, while relying on an army of ghostwriters to produce his work, uses  his time to engage in other self-indulgent activities, including numerous affairs with other women. He enlists his wife as one of his ghostwriters, and though he initially dismisses her contributions, Willy soon decides to re-work and publish Colette’s writing under his own name in order to save their family from financial ruin.

Throughout their tumultuous marriage, Colette remains honest, consulting with Willy about her confusion over her newly discovered attraction to other women. While she seeks permission for her explorations, Willy does not offer the same courtesy, consistently betraying Colette’s trust and exploiting her talents in order to publish her wildly successful work as his own.  As their marriage begins to deteriorate, Colette finds a place for herself within her writing and begins to explore her creativity through a variety of artistic avenues. Knightley quietly simmers as Colette, a trailblazing figure committed to breaking through stereotypes and conventions.

Rather than shying away from displaying Colette’s desires, Westmoreland highlights how her passion for life, art, and human connection paved the way for other women to experience life to the fullest, unafraid of who they truly are.

“Colette ranks as one of the great roles for which Keira Knightley will be remembered.” —Peter Debruge, Variety