Period drama fans should catch one film hailed for its high production values and exceptional acting, after others have enjoyed an “elegantly filmed” war movie, a “perfect” TV series, and a “masterpiece” novel adaptation.

This film is streaming on multiple platforms, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+, and has received positive reviews on IMDb after hitting cinemas back in 2018.

One 10/10 review was titled “breathtaking” and the user explained how they were captivated without getting “distracted” by other things.

They went on to describe the movie as a “rare filmgoing experience” and said “every shot, every frame, every moment was essential and compelling”. 

They concluded: “The performances are amazing and this story is absolutely riveting. I can’t wait to see it again.”

A second top-rated review was titled “wonderful film” and the review simply noted: “Great acting, directing, script. Highly recommend!”

A third person wrote in their 10/10 review: “What a beautiful, heartfelt film. From the stunning cinematography to the wonderful acting and amazing direction, this film is a must for all those who are sick and tired of the same old storylines being rehashed, or comic book heroes being brought to life. I was lucky enough to see it at a private screening, and I walked out crying! Highly recommended.”

Yet another review titled their critique “powerful performance” as they hailed the lead star for their turn in the film and said the acclaimed performer “made this story come alive”. Adding: “The more difficult scenes were done in good taste with finesse, making this film a successful time period drama.”

A fifth person described the drama as a “solid period piece” and again hailed the lead performer with the film serving as a “great showcase” for their “range and ability”. They also commented: “When these types of films come along whether it be about women’s rights or something related to race, it really opens your eye to how far we have to come. And we should always appreciate the stories that give us insight to a time when it was even more difficult for the voiceless to be granted a voice.”

Colette charted the little-known real-life story of the celebrated French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette, who was also a mime, actress, a lady of letters and journalist. Her best-known work was the 1944 novella Gigi, which would later spawn a 1958 film and then the 1973 stage production of the same name. 

The film featured a whole host of British stars with Pirates of The Caribbean and Bend It Like Beckham actress Keira Knightley leading as the eponymous Colette in the first major film about the figure since 1991. The movie certainly shone a spotlight on the first part of the French writer’s life and works. 

The story was set in the late 19th century and followed Colette from her humble beginnings in rural France, when she started an affair with fellow writer and music critic Henry Gauthier-Villars or ‘Willy’ (Dominic West) as he went by under his pen name. 

The couple married and moved to Paris, where he employed ghostwriters to pen articles with his famous byline, however, his business wasn’t bringing in enough money to match his lavish lifestyle.

Willy implored Colette to write a novel about her schooldays, which he initially said lacked any plot and put to one side. However, as the couple fell into more poverty as time went on, Willy again found the unpublished manuscript and made some revisions, before publishing it under his name. 

Her novel Claudine à l’école became a bestseller and it wasn’t long before the publisher asked for a sequel, leading Willy to callously lock Colette in a room to write the follow-up. Although she initially refused to do so, she eventually conceded and her second novel Claudine à Paris again became a success. 

Willy and Colette gained notoriety across Paris and she then attracted the attention of American socialite, debutante and playwright Georgie Raoul-Duval (Eleanor Tomlinson). Colette and Georgie engaged in a passionate love affair, leaving Willy jealous when he found out and led him to also start sleeping with Georgie.

The movie sees the push and pull between the Colette and Willy as her undeniable talent bothers him and sees tensions flare up between the couple as he tries to take credit for her work. 

Colette also stars Line of Duty actress Aiysha Hart, Killing Eve’s Fiona Shaw, Too Close star Denise Gough, Game of Thrones’ Robert Pugh, Boy Meets Girl actress Rebecca Root, Jake Graf, and Julian Wadham.

Colette is streaming on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV+ for a fee