The Richest Woman in the World (M)

Few modern scandals have captivated France as the astonishing events surrounding Liliane Bettencourt, the billionaire heiress to the L’Oreal fortune and doyenne of Parisian society. Now writer/director Thierry Klifa has freely adapted the incredible story into a captivating dark comedy, featuring a jaw-dropping, tailor-made role for one of France’s most iconic stars.

Marianne Farrère (Isabelle Huppert), the head of the Windler Group, is the richest woman in the world. Pierre-Alain Fantin is a vivacious dandy, writer and photographer. After meeting on a photo shoot, the two quickly become inseparable. Their friendship – one where Pierre-Alain is only too happy to take financial advantage – surprises, amuses, intrigues, and eventually unsettles the billionaire’s entourage and family.

With several twists too good to spoil, The Richest Woman in the World makes the most of its fabulous ensemble cast, but Huppert and Lafitte simply eat up the screen. This wildly entertaining film became an enormous box-office hit in France for good reason.

Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Laurent Lafitte, Marina Foïs, André Marcon

Director: Thierry Klifa

★★★★½ "A French 'Succession' and perverse power game in the glossy beauty industry. Calling all Huppert fans, Francophiles, and fashionistas" FILMINK

★★★★★ "Irresistible. A treat" CLOSER

★★★★ "A delightful comedy combining sharp analysis and dark humour." MARIE CLAIRE

★★★★ "Entertainment that is at once delicious, dramatic and credible. Huppert is as stunning as ever." PARIS MATCH

★★★★ "Meticulously crafted and carried by perfect performances, Klifa tackles the Banier-Bettencourt affair with irresistible relish, showing on screen the perverse power game between an iconoclastic opportunist and a very wealthy heiress." TÉLÉRAMA