Trophy Wife

Synopsis

Trophy Wife, also known as Potiche, is a delightful French comedy-drama that centers around Suzanne Pujol, portrayed by the iconic Catherine Deneuve. Set in the 1970s, Suzanne is a housewife living in a conservative town in France, where her domineering husband runs a lucrative umbrella factory. When her husband is taken hostage by striking workers, it becomes an unexpected turning point in Suzanne's life. She seizes the opportunity to take control of the factory, asserting her independence and confronting the gender roles imposed upon her. As she navigates the complexities of her newfound power, Suzanne discovers her capabilities, both professionally and personally. The film explores themes of feminism, societal change, and personal empowerment, all while maintaining a humorous tone and vibrant characters. With a talented ensemble cast, Trophy Wife delivers both laughter and poignant moments, making it a noteworthy entry in contemporary French cinema.

Cast

• 

  Catherine Deneuve

  Suzanne Pujol

• 

  Gérard Depardieu

  Maurice Babin

• 

  Fabrice Luchini

  Robert Pujol

• 

  Karin Viard

  Nadège

• 

  Jérémie Renier

  Laurent Pujol

• 

  Judith Godrèche

  Joëlle

Reviews

Trophy Wife (Potiche), released in 2010, has earned a favorable reception from both audiences and critics alike. With an IMDb rating of 6.4/10, it reflects a moderately positive view. Rotten Tomatoes offers a fresher perspective with an approval rating of 83%, signifying that a majority of critics enjoyed the film. According to Metacritic, it holds a score of 68/100, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critics have lauded Catherine Deneuve's performance: 'Deneuve's portrayal is both charming and strong, perfectly encapsulating Suzanne's transformation,' stated a critic from The Guardian. The film’s witty dialogue and comedic timing have also been highlighted, with Film Journal International praising it as 'a lively comedy that tackles serious themes with grace and humor.' Some reviews find the film occasionally predictable in its narrative, mentioning that the pacing wanes in certain segments. Nonetheless, as noted by IndieWire: 'Trophy Wife cleverly critiques patriarchal structures while incorporating a light-hearted approach that keeps viewers engaged.' Overall, the film balances comedy and social commentary, creating an entertaining experience grounded in real societal issues.