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Violette

Violette

2013139 minNot RatedMidcredits score: 74th percentile of all films
Director
Martin Provost
Starring
Emmanuelle Devos, Sandrine Kiberlain, Olivier Gourmet, Frans Boyer

Born out of wedlock early in the last century, Violette Leduc meets Simone de Beauvoir in postwar Saint-Germain-des-Près. An intense lifelong relationship develops between the two women authors, based on Violette's quest for freedom through writing and on Simone's conviction that she holds in her hands the destiny of an extraordinary writer.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Violette?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Violette streaming on Kino Film Collection via Prime Video and to rent or buy on Apple TV.

Subscription

via Prime Video

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Violette?

Violette earns 4 badges, led by Standout acting and Crowd Pleaser.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office

Reception

Is Violette worth watching?

Violette's Midcredits score is the 74th percentile of all films, from 4.3K ratings across 6 sources. 68% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

74th percentile

Better received than 74% of films

57th percentile among Biography74th percentile among 2010s
Acclaim (how much people like it)69th
Approval (how many liked it)76th

67 /100

69th percentile of all films

54th percentile among Biography69th percentile among 2010s

Critics 72 · Audience 66

Critics liked it more than audiences did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.9 — solid but not unanimous.

68% liked it

76th percentile of all films

59th percentile among Biography77th percentile among 2010s
68% rated it 7–1032% rated it 1–6

Critics 86% · Audience 68%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of critics approved than audiences.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 0 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

64th percentile

4.3K ratings across platforms

41st percentile among Biography67th percentile among 2010s
TMDB popularity, last 37 days to Oct 26Up 39% in 30 days

Box office

Worldwide gross$1.5M

40th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

Both camps agree the film is a slow, melancholic, character-driven biopic focused on Violette Leduc's emotional torment and literary ambition.

Fans praised

  • Outstanding central performances by Devos and Kiberlain
  • Rich sense of period and place
  • Novelistic chapter structure and measured pacing

Detractors panned

  • Overlong, with repetitive depressive episodes
  • Lacks strong narrative propulsion, becomes a slog

What stands out

Acting90

Devos and Kiberlain are repeatedly called outstanding, fully committed, magisterial

Atmosphere85

Dank, melancholic, immersive world-building

CharactersDivisive80

Violette vividly drawn as tormented and complex; detractors find her uninteresting or maudlin

Cinematography80

Handsome photography of locales and period detail

Emotional impactDivisive70

Moving for many, but detractors see it as maudlin self-pity

Plot and storyDivisive50

Episodic, meandering, with strong biographical structure but weak dramatic drive

PacingDivisive45

Slow, lingering; fans appreciate poetic patience, detractors find it a slog

Preferred by

No notable difference between any of the groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 7 points apart
  • US vs non-US even

Watch experience

What is Violette like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Moving and bittersweet: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want a story that moves you and leaves an ache.

It takes its time and leaves you bittersweet. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Moving and bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: Moods
MelancholicContemplativeHopeful
Heaviest: late
Register
Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.
Told as
Chaptered · 1% of films: Told in titled chapters or clearly separate parts.Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its subject with grave seriousness, dwelling in the melancholy of Violette's inner life while maintaining a respectful distance from her suffering.
The rideThe film is a slow, brooding journey through Violette's tormented life, with melancholic and contemplative moods dominating, and a hopeful turn toward the end as she overcomes.
StructureThe story is told in titled chapters that mark distinct periods in Violette's life, progressing chronologically through her career and relationships.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Bittersweet.

The answer rests on this: BittersweetHopeful
Why it leaves you this wayThe film leaves a poignant sense of Violette's struggle and her eventual recognition, balanced by the lingering sadness of her lifelong loneliness.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).RebirthHealing
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21%: Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13% (this title): Redemption 3% · Healing 5% (this title) · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Rebirth: A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed. · Healing: Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).

13% of films fit this archetype

with Rags to riches underneath

A loose fit — the map only half-holds this one.

Why this archetypeThe film follows Violette Leduc's journey from a tormented, unloved childhood to eventual literary recognition, centering on her psychological healing through writing and her rise from obscurity to fame.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfFriendship
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27% (this title): Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% (this title) · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% (this title) · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% (this title) · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5%
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15%: Survival 17% · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Bonds

Friendship · 9% of filmsPurpose · 9% of filmsIdentity · 14% of films
Mourns its theme: Grieves its theme, or what has been lost of it.Intimate stakes: Consequences reach a person or a household.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on the intense, lifelong friendship between Violette and Simone de Beauvoir, which fuels Violette's quest for freedom and identity through writing.
StanceThe film mourns Violette's lifelong struggle for love and recognition, treating her friendship with de Beauvoir as a bittersweet refuge from a tormented existence, while ultimately celebrating her artistic triumph.

The world

Mid 20th centuryUrbanRuralRealistic
Orchestral classicalSupportive music · original score · Hugues Tabar-Nouval
SettingPost-war Paris literary circles and Normandy countryside
MusicThe score underscores the film's emotional gravity and period atmosphere.

Content guide

Is Violette okay for kids?

Not Rated

Violette is not rated. As of August 31, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its sexual content at mild (33/100). It has too few votes to rank yet.

Ratings in 5 other countries
  • Germany12
  • FranceTP
  • Ireland15
  • Denmark15
  • Switzerland16
Overall
needs 3 or more scored categories
not ranked
Sex & Nudity
Mild
too few votes to rank (1 vote)

Overall standing needs at least three scored categories; this title has 1.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Violette have?

Not screened for content warnings yet.

Cast and crew

Who is in Violette?

Cast

Emmanuelle Devos
as Violette Leduc
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sandrine Kiberlain
as Simone de Beauvoir
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Olivier Gourmet
as Jacques Guérin
Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Frans Boyer
as Le jeune paysan
Screen debut: No prior film or television role.
Catherine Hiegel
as Berthe Leduc
Jacques Bonnaffé
as Jean Genet
Olivier Py
as Maurice Sachs
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nathalie Richard
as Hermine
Stanley Weber
as Le jeune maçon
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Nicole Colchat
as Madame Belaval

Crew

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What are movies like Violette?

Movies like Violette include Seraphine (2008), Moulin Rouge (1952) and Kill Your Darlings (2013). Of the 10 closest matches, half are stories of unrequited love, and most are biopics.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

4 of these 10 share its world: Paris. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Violette?

569 other films share the rarest tag below, premise: origin story. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.