The Double Life of Véronique (1991) | agoodmovietowatch
The Double Life of Véronique 8.4 1991 Movie

The Double Life of Véronique

Dir. Krzysztof Kieślowski · France, Norway · French, Italian

A melancholic and entrancing drama that explores identity and intimate connections through two identical women whose lives briefly intersect

Our take by Taylor Leigh Harper

Krzysztof Kieślowski’s drama stars Irène Jacob as two identical women living separate lives, and the intricate and indelible ways in which they are bound together. While Weronika, a Polish singer, balances her familial duties and intimate romantic relationship, a French music teacher named Véronique senses that she is not alone.

The Double Life of Véronique’s hypnotic and entrancing qualities will wash over you like a tide crashing over a bed of sand. It is a tough film to capture in words, when so much of it is just beyond words—Kieślowski’s film is one to be seen, sensed, and experienced.

What happens

Véronique is a beautiful young French woman who aspires to be a renowned singer; Weronika lives in Poland, has a similar career goal and looks identical to Véronique, though the two are not related. The film follows both women as they contend with the ups and downs of their individual lives, with Véronique embarking on an unusual romance with Alexandre Fabbri, a puppeteer who may be able to help her with her existential issues.

What the critics said

Notable Critics

"We see through a glass darkly, and often confusingly, but at least we see."

— Anthony Lane

Awards

Cannes

3 wins · 1 nom

Won: Best ActressWon: FIPRESCI PrizeWon: Prize of the Ecumenical JuryNominated: Official Selection: Cannes Classics

Golden Globes

1 nom

Nominated: Best Motion Picture: Foreign Language

Spirit Awards

1 nom

Nominated: Best Foreign Film

LAFCA

1 win

Won: Best Music

César Awards

2 noms

Nominated: Best ActressNominated: Best Music

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About the author

Taylor Leigh Harper

Taylor Leigh Harper is a writer from Southern California who covers film and writes across fiction, creative nonfiction, and free verse. She is a contributing writer and curator at A Good Movie to Watch, with work also appearing in Westwind, The Bridge, and Haunted Waters Press.