The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival (Canada) on 7/9. It tells the story of independent filmmaker Maxine Walker, who is commissioned by a French fashion house to create a film for a Paris Fashion Week show. Maxine struggles to balance her work, motherhood, and divorce proceedings. Her life takes a turn when she is diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, forcing her to confront a profound emotional crisis.
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Angelina Jolie in "Couture." Photo: Pathe |
Angelina Jolie in "Couture." Photo: Pathe
Jolie told Variety she initially felt apprehensive about the film due to its deeply personal subject matter, mirroring her own life. While "Couture" is not a documentary or biographical film, Maxine's story resonates with the actress's personal journey.
In 2013, Jolie publicly shared her experience in the New York Times, revealing she had undergone three months of surgery for a double mastectomy and reconstructive surgery. She made this decision after discovering she carried a faulty copy of the BRCA1 gene, which significantly increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Jolie understood the gravity of the situation as both her mother and grandmother died from the disease. The preventative surgery reduced her risk from 87% to below 5%.
Director Alice Winocour said she envisioned Jolie for the lead role from the moment she began writing the screenplay. "I wanted to portray her vulnerability and strength, the woman behind the Hollywood icon," Winocour said.
One of the film's most poignant scenes depicts Maxine learning she must undergo a double mastectomy. The image of a doctor marking her chest with red ink symbolizes the inevitable losses faced during the battle against cancer.
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Angelina Jolie at the "Couture" premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Photo: AFP |
Angelina Jolie at the "Couture" premiere at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival. Photo: AFP
"Serious films are often intertwined with stories of love," Jolie said. "Sharing our pain brings comfort. We may not know for certain how to overcome this disease, but strength emerges when we choose to face it head-on."
Critics have praised Jolie's performance in "Couture." According to Deadline, the actress conveys her character's inner turmoil through subtle expressions and gestures. The supporting cast, including Ella Rumpf and Anyier Ane, creates a balanced portrayal, exploring various facets of women's lives.
Jolie also learned French to fully embody her character. On set, she wore her mother's necklace for inspiration and to connect with her role on a deeper level.
Jolie, 50, is a prominent Hollywood star. Throughout her career, she has won three Golden Globe Awards and an Oscar. She has been married three times: to Jonny Lee Miller, Billy Bob Thornton, and Brad Pitt. She and Pitt have six children, three adopted and three biological.
Following the Toronto Film Festival, Jolie returned to filming "Anxious People," based on the novel by Swedish author Fredrick Backman. She plays Zara, an investment banker with a blonde bob and a quietly elegant style.
Cat Tien (Variety, People)
