Angelina Jolie delivers a formidable performance in Alice Winocour's observant fashion drama, "Couture." Jolie portrays Maxine, a character whose initial disbelief gradually gives way to a sense of urgency. While Jolie's presence provides significant main-character energy, the film's strength may lie in its supporting characters and Winocour's nuanced portrayal of small, significant moments.
Winocour, known for her sensitive direction, previously helmed the striking 2022 film "Revoir Paris." In "Couture," she demonstrates a gift for sculpting intimate scenes, though the narrative may be more adept at these than at crafting large, revelatory ones. The film delves into the exclusive world of haute couture, using it as a backdrop for exploring themes of identity and belonging.
A particularly compelling figure is Ada, played with beguiling fortitude by Anyier Anei. Ada, an aspiring model from South Sudan, is set to star in Maxine's pre-show film and open the fashion show itself. This presents a daunting prospect for Ada, who, despite her innate elegance, does not see herself as a model. She serves as an outsider within this peculiar and often unwelcoming environment, acting as a guide for the audience into its complexities.