Thescreescore – Angelina Jolie’s latest cinematic endeavor, Couture, has premiered to a surprisingly lukewarm reception from critics, despite achieving a unique milestone in the fashion world. The film, which marks a significant moment as the first fictional feature to capture scenes within Chanel’s iconic Paris showroom, currently holds a disappointing 52% on Rotten Tomatoes’ Tomatometer. Audience sentiment appears even less favorable, with a mere 46% Popcornmeter score.
A formidable presence in Hollywood, Angelina Jolie has consistently commanded attention throughout her career, both through her compelling performances and her ventures behind the camera. Her acting prowess has been recognized with prestigious awards, notably an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Girl, Interrupted. Beyond her acclaimed on-screen work, Jolie has also honed her craft as a director, helming impactful films such as Unbroken and First They Killed My Father. However, even an artist of her caliber is not immune to critical scrutiny, with past projects like The Tourist, Hackers, and By the Sea having previously landed in the "rotten" category.
Couture now joins this latter group, struggling to find favor with the 85 critics who have weighed in so far. Directed by Alice Winocour, the film attempts to weave a dramatic narrative around the high-stakes world of fashion and filmmaking. It centers on Maxine Walker, portrayed by Jolie, an American filmmaker whose arrival at Paris Fashion Week is dramatically interrupted by life-altering news. The ensemble cast also features talents like Anyier Anei, Louis Garrel, Vincent Lindon, and Ella Rumpf.
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While the film’s ambitious premise aimed to offer an intriguing glimpse into the fashion industry, many reviewers found its execution lacking. Critics frequently pinpointed weaknesses in the narrative and screenplay, suggesting that Couture ultimately squandered its rich thematic potential. Nevertheless, a consistent point of praise has been Jolie’s performance. As noted by thescreescore.com’s Graeme Guttmann, her "vulnerable performance" is often cited as the grounding force in an otherwise underwhelming production.
Despite the critical lukewarmness, Couture boasts an undeniable historical distinction. Its unprecedented access to Chanel’s hallowed Paris showroom for filming marks a significant moment, intertwining the worlds of haute couture and cinematic storytelling in a novel way. This unique achievement, while not translating into universal critical acclaim, certainly adds an intriguing layer for aficionados of both film and high fashion.
Having initially debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Couture is now receiving a limited theatrical release across the United States and the Middle East. While its current critical standing may temper its box office prospects, the strength of Jolie’s central performance hints at the possibility of a renewed appreciation and a potential streaming resurgence in the future.
Film Details:
- Release Date: June 26, 2026
- Runtime: 106 minutes
- Director: Alice Winocour
- Writers: Alice Winocour
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