Colette (2018) – Her Words Scandalized Paris. Her Courage Redefined a Generation

She wrote the words he stole—and then wrote herself into history

Colette (2018), directed by Wash Westmoreland, is a radiant and defiant biographical drama chronicling the early life of the iconic French author Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. Set against the lavish backdrop of Belle Époque Paris, the film tells the story not just of a brilliant writer, but of a woman who refused to be silenced, controlled, or diminished. From literary ghostwriter to trailblazing cultural force, Colette is a celebration of art, feminism, and self-liberation.

Keira Knightley gives a fiercely controlled and intelligent performance as Colette, charting her transformation from a young provincial bride to a literary rebel. At the start, Colette marries Willy (Dominic West), a charismatic but manipulative Parisian author who quickly enlists her to write novels under his name. Her semi-autobiographical “Claudine” series becomes a national sensation, but as the fame grows, so does the tension—Colette’s voice, passion, and identity cannot remain hidden behind a man’s name forever.

The film brilliantly captures Colette’s awakening—not just creatively, but personally. She pushes against the confines of her marriage, the expectations of society, and the norms around gender and sexuality. Her relationships with women, especially the influential Missy, are portrayed with nuance and tenderness, never reduced to mere scandal. Instead, Colette presents these choices as acts of truth in a world determined to label them as rebellion.

What elevates Colette beyond the standard biopic formula is its careful attention to aesthetic and emotional texture. From its rich costume design to candlelit salons and smoky cabarets, the film immerses viewers in a world as beautiful as it is oppressive. The camera lingers on Colette’s glances, gestures, and silences—because it’s in these quiet acts that the real revolution brews.

More than just a portrait of a literary icon, Colette is a story of authorship—not just of books, but of one’s own life. It asks who gets to tell the story, and who gets credit for it. As Colette breaks free from Willy’s shadow and claims her name, she doesn’t just change her future—she reclaims her past and rewrites the rules for generations of women after her.