The movie takes place during the '70's. The lovely Catherine Deneuve plays Suzanne Bujol married to Robert ( Fabrice Luchini) the wealthy proprietor of an umbrella factory who is a very autocratic employer as well as husband. Suzanne has become, what is known in French as a Potiche, or a trophy wife. Robert also is not a loving husband, but one who looks outside the home for sex, particularly with his secretary Nadege (Karin Viard). By his actions, Robert has also alienated his adult son Paul (Jeremie Renier) and daughter Joelle (Judith Godreche). Never mind the fact that Robert inherited his position, when his father-in-law died and left it to him to run the business.

 

Employees of the factory finally become fed up with their work conditions, and during a violent confrontation, Robert has a serious heart attack and is hospitalized. The only logical person to take over the reigns of the factory is Suzanne who looks to Babin (Gerard Depardieu), the communist mayor with whom she once had an affair. Obviously, this big soft-hearted man never lost his love for this woman who he idolized. As Suzanne negotiates with the workers and completely changes the tone at the factory in just a few months, she befriends Nadege and the factory runs smoothly until Robert recovers and, through trickery, takes the reigns away from Suzanne. But she proves that she cannot be stopped, either by her husband or Babin when she decides to become political. What occurs throughout this movie is extremely humorous, and what plays out in the end is even more so.

Unrated

103 minutes

Opening in Los Angeles March 25, 2011