History is full of unexpected relationships. That’s the case with the new film Jeanne du Barry, which releases today after debuting at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. In it, we follow Jeanne Becu, who was born a poor and rose to the highest halls of power in 18th Century France.

We follow Jeanne’s story from her humble beginnings to forging her own path as a courtesan. Jeanne (Maiwenn) worked her way up in society and soon caught the eye of King Louis XV (Johnny Depp). He took to her and took her as his prized mistress.

In order to maintain the ruse, Jeanne was married to Comte Guillaume du Barry (Melvil Poupaud). She soon became the prized consort of the king, moving in the royal circles at the palace of Versailles. But it was more than just an arranged relationship—the pair fell in love and remained devoted to each other even after Louis XV passed.

This film chronicles their relationship as the focus for the film. We get a quick introduction to Jeanne’s early life, and we get a quick summation of her later years at the end. But, for the most part, this is about the unlikely love affair between the daughter of a seamstress and the King of France.

This was a passion project for Maiwenn. In addition to starring in the film, she co-wrote the script and served as the director. She was said to have been long interested in telling the story of Jeanne and bringing it to life on screen. And you can see that passion in this production.

The look and feel here are incredible. From the score to the costumes, the production helps create the look and feel for this world. I was also taken with the beauty of a number of the shots—including the bookended opening and closing sequences in a field full of sunshine. That was often the most engaging aspect of the production.

As performers, Maiwenn and Depp do a nice job. Their characters are the most developed and the most interesting in the film. They have some nice sequences opposite each other and a nice chemistry in this film.

What doesn’t work as well is the story. This feels like something we’ve seen before and though based on a true story; it isn’t overly engaging. It fades into the background which hurts this film’s attempt to distinguish itself from others of this type.

The film is beautiful, and the craft is beautiful, but the story is just OK. Overall, it was an enjoyable watch that likely won’t leave you connected once the closing credits role.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.