Similar to recent portrayals of "Versailles" and "Marie Antoinette," this lavish drama offers glimpses into the extravagance and absurdity of 18th-century French court life. The story centers on Jeanne Bécu (Maïwenn), a clever young woman who swiftly figures out how to leverage her attributes to advance in society. She eventually catches the eye of the driven Count du Barry (Melvil Poupaud), an associate of the Duc de Richelieu (Pierre Richard), who serves as a provider of entertainment for King Louis XV (Johnny Depp). Upon a hesitant introduction, she voices some disdain for the formality of court customs and becomes a surprisingly candid confidante to him. Predictably, his daughters are immediately put out, and with Marie Antoinette’s (Pauline Pullman) arrival to wed the Dauphin (Diego Le Fur), tensions escalate rapidly. The now-married Countess du Barry cannot remain at court if she is continually rejected by the Dauphine, so a period of elaborate political maneuvering unfolds as the King and his mistress attempt to secure recognition for her and contentment for themselves. I observed a genuine connection between Depp and Maïwenn, particularly during the lengthy morning rituals of the King, and I appreciated the ridiculous hairstyles worn by his disapproving daughter, Princess Adélaïde (India Hair), who guided her group of spoiled sisters like ducklings. It's a visually stunning film; the beauty and scale of his estate and the overall design effectively create an impressive setting for those engaged in scheming and flattery. Depp’s role is somewhat limited, and the script isn't consistently strong, occasionally reducing it to something akin to a high-quality, costly stage show. I would have appreciated more depth regarding the central characters. Nevertheless, it’s an elegant and fashionable film that makes a striking impact when viewed in theaters.
On October 2, 2026
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