Parents' Guide to Jeanne du Barry

Jeanne du Barry's fascinating life story is one for the ages, but this glamorous, one-sided portrayal gives off social media influencer vibes—everything is fabulous. Too fabulous. Smug in her sense of self and confident in the life choices that led to her rise to the top, there's no stopping the main character of Jeanne du Barry. She's abused, demeaned, and humiliated, but she takes it all in stride. She shrugs off being mocked and ostracized, and viewers are meant to admire how she lives life her way. But the takeaway message is ultimately that all of the negative stuff is worth it for a life of luxury.

Luxurious, it is: The costumes, the Versailles setting, and the cinematography are all as extravagant as Jeanne herself. It makes the film a visual treat. And Maiwenn's writing, direction, and performance present Jeanne as a real-life Cinderella who refuses to be a victim. That's empowering. But it's always important to look at who's telling a story and why they're telling it, because it impacts how it's told. Maiwenn may feel a kinship to Jeanne, as she's had her share of public scandals involving high-profile men. Thus, she may want to celebrate a woman who ignored social mores to achieve her own version of success. But that may not align with all viewers' values; just be ready to discuss after viewing.