This exhilarating dramatisation of the life of groundbreaking French novelist Colette is the exact opposite of the average biopic: it’s fast-moving, funny and thrillingly relevant. Keira Knightley impresses in a wide-ranging role as Colette, who we meet in 1892 as a young wife who “just wants to be part of things”, and by the early 20th Century is a confident, inspired, creative celebrity, completely in control of her own identity. Dominic West is equally good as her self-involved but charming and driven husband Willy, and the film offers a fascinating look at this combustible creative partnership. With a sharp script exploring gender equality, creative freedom and sexual identity, this is one of the first essential films of 2019.
Specially commissioned programme notes are available here.