TIFF 2023 Drama ‘Widow Clicquot’ Starring Haley Bennett Acquired By Vertical

EXCLUSIVE: On the heels of its fall world premiere at the Toronto Film Festival, the indie drama Widow Clicquot starring Haley Bennett (Cyrano) has been acquired by Vertical for 2024 theatrical distribution in North America.

Based on Tilar J Mazzeo’s New York Times bestseller The Widow Clicquot: The Story of a Champagne Empire and the Woman Who Ruled It, the film tells the true story behind the Veuve Clicquot champagne family and business that began in the late 18th century. After her husband’s untimely death, Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin Clicquot (Bennett) flouts convention by assuming the reins of the fledgling wine business they had nurtured together. Steering the company through dizzying political and financial reversals, she defies her critics and revolutionizes the champagne industry to become one of the world’s first great entrepreneurs.

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Also starring Tom Sturridge (The Sandman), Sam Riley (Maleficent), Anson Boon (1917), Leo Suter (Vikings: Valhalla), Ben Miles (Napoleon), Natasha O’Keeffe (Peaky Blinders) and more, the Widow Clicquot film was directed by Thomas Napper (Jawbone) from a screenplay by Erin Dignam. Pic’s producers are Christina Weiss Lurie, Bennett, and Joe Wright. The EPs are John Bernard and Fabien Baron.

“This film has been a labor of love, a true collective effort,” pic’s director Napper told Deadline. “I feel very privileged to be a part of this amazing team of creatives and to be partnering with Vertical in sharing this remarkable story of Barbe-Nicole Clicquot.”

Vertical Partner Peter Jarowey added that the company is “proud to bring this compelling story of Veuve Clicquot to the silver screen, a story that not only celebrates the iconic brand but also honors the tenacious spirit of a woman fearlessly challenging both patriarchal and institutional obstacles to preserve her vineyards and safeguard her family’s legacy.”

Jarowey and SVP of Acquisitions Tony Piantedosi negotiated the deal on behalf of Vertical, with WME Independent on behalf of the production.

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