The film is set in 18th-century France and chronicles the extraordinary life of Jeanne Vaubernier, a working-class woman who uses her charm, wit, and beauty to climb the social ladder. Her dazzling charisma eventually catches the eye of King Louis XV, who brings her to Versailles as his official chief mistress (maîtresse-en-titre). The film explores their unlikely and passionate love affair, the scandal it causes at the strictly codified French court, and Jeanne’s struggle to find acceptance and respect amidst the jealousy of the nobles and the King’s own daughters.

What Works

Visual Splendor: The film is visually stunning, showcasing the opulence and spectacle of Versailles with exquisite costume and production design. It successfully immerses the viewer in the lavish, if politically venomous, world of the French court.

Johnny Depp’s Restraint: Depp delivers a subtle, surprisingly quiet, and reserved performance as the aging, melancholic King Louis XV. He captures the King’s exhaustion with the court and his genuine affection for Jeanne.

Maïwenn’s Commitment: As both director and lead actress, Maïwenn is magnetic as Jeanne, portraying her ambition, intelligence, and her refusal to conform to the suffocating rules of the aristocracy.

The Love Story: The film successfully captures the genuine, complex bond between the King and Jeanne, focusing on the affection and intellectual connection they share despite the differences in their stations.

Final Verdict

“Jeanne du Barry” is a beautifully filmed and visually rich historical drama that serves as an intimate character study of a scandalous figure and her relationship with a powerful monarch. While the pacing can be slow and meditative, and the narrative sometimes sacrifices political depth for personal emotion, the film is compelling due to Maïwenn’s dynamic lead performance and Johnny Depp’s memorable, quiet turn. It is highly recommended for fans of French period pieces and those interested in a character-focused look at the final years of the Ancien Régime.