Angelina Jolie’s Couture: A Star’s Return Amid Mixed Reviews and Critical Disappointment

Angelina Jolie, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses, made a notable appearance at the San Sebastian Film Festival in Spain on September 21, 2025.

At 50 years old, Jolie captivated audiences and media alike with her elegance, poise, and sharp presence, reaffirming her status as a timeless star.

Her return to the big screen was marked by her starring role in the film Couture, a drama co-produced by France and the United States, which premiered at the festival amid high expectations.

However, despite Jolie’s compelling presence, the film itself has met with a wave of mixed to negative reviews from critics, sparking debate about its artistic merit and narrative execution.

The Film and Its Ambitious Themes

Couture is a drama directed by French filmmaker Alice Winocour, known for her focus on intimate, character-driven stories often exploring themes of the body, identity, and human vulnerability.

The film centers on Maxine Walker, played by Angelina Jolie, an American film director invited to Paris to shoot a project during Paris Fashion Week.

Maxine’s storyline takes a dramatic turn when she is diagnosed with breast cancer, a plotline that draws clear inspiration from Jolie’s own life experiences, as she publicly underwent preventive double mastectomy after discovering a genetic predisposition to breast cancer.

Alongside Maxine’s story, the film follows two other women navigating the high-pressure world of fashion: Ada, an 18-year-old aspiring model from South Sudan seeking opportunities in Paris, and Angèle, a freelance makeup artist working behind the scenes of fashion shows.

These intersecting narratives aim to explore the complex realities of women’s bodies, careers, and identities within the glamorous yet demanding sphere of haute couture.

A Star-Studded Premiere and Public Reception

Angelina Jolie’s presence at the San Sebastian Film Festival was met with enthusiasm and admiration.

Fans braved rain to catch a glimpse of the actress, whose radiant appearance and confident demeanor stole the spotlight.

Her remarks on the political climate in the United States, warning about the dangers of deep societal divisions, also drew significant attention, highlighting her role as not only an entertainer but also a vocal advocate on pressing issues.

Despite the excitement surrounding Jolie’s attendance and the film’s premiere, Couture itself failed to fully resonate with critics and audiences.

The film’s reception on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes hovered at a modest 67%, reflecting a lukewarm response that fell short of the expectations for a project with such a high-profile lead.

Critical Voices: Disappointment and Unfulfilled Potential

Leading critics from major publications were quick to express their reservations about Couture.

Benjamin Lee of The Guardian gave the film a harsh 2 out of 5 stars, describing it as “dull” and lacking in depth.

He noted the ironic disconnect between Jolie’s real-life courage and the film’s inability to convey genuine emotional resonance.

Lee criticized the screenplay and direction for failing to develop Maxine’s character fully, resulting in a portrayal that felt superficial and unengaging.

Lee also pointed out the lack of chemistry between Jolie and her co-star Louis Garrel, who plays a handsome cinematographer involved in a brief romantic subplot.

The on-screen relationship was described as dry and uninspired, with flirtation and intimacy scenes lacking warmth or authenticity.

He attributed these flaws to director Winocour’s hesitant storytelling style, which seemed to avoid conflict and risk, leaving the drama flat and uninvolving.

Similarly, David Rooney of The Hollywood Reporter echoed these sentiments, calling the film’s reflection on mortality “shallow” and its narrative structure “disjointed.”
Rooney argued that weaving together three women’s stories should have enriched the film’s texture but instead led to imbalance and fragmentation.

While acknowledging Jolie’s star power and screen presence, he lamented that the script did not offer her enough substance to showcase her talents fully.

The Style and Tone: A French Minimalism That Missed the Mark

Owen Gleiberman of Variety described Couture as adopting a “neutral” and “understated” French cinematic style, which made the film feel more like a documentary than a dramatic feature.

While this approach may appeal to fans of minimalist filmmaking, Gleiberman felt it diminished the inherent drama and glamour of the fashion world, making the movie feel flat and uneventful.

The film’s failure to capture the dazzling and sometimes ruthless nature of haute couture was seen as a missed opportunity.

Fashion, often depicted as a world of spectacle and high stakes, was rendered here as mundane and uneventful, stripping the story of much of its potential tension and allure.

The Challenge of Translating Personal Experience to Screen

One of the most talked-about aspects of Couture is how closely the character of Maxine parallels Angelina Jolie’s own life, particularly her public battle with cancer risk and preventive surgery.

While this autobiographical element promised an intimate and powerful narrative, critics argue that the film did not capitalize on this potential.

Instead of delving deeply into Maxine’s emotional journey, the film opts for a restrained and surface-level exploration that left many viewers wanting more insight and empathy.

This restraint, some suggest, may have been a deliberate choice by Winocour but ultimately resulted in a lack of emotional engagement.

The Broader Implications for Angelina Jolie’s Career

Couture arrives at a pivotal moment in Angelina Jolie’s career, as she continues to balance her roles as an actress, director, and humanitarian.

Her decision to return to acting with a complex, personal role signals her commitment to challenging projects that go beyond conventional Hollywood fare.

However, the film’s mixed reception raises questions about the direction of her acting career and the kinds of stories she wishes to tell.

While Jolie’s star power remains undeniable, the critical response to Couture suggests that audiences and critics expect more compelling storytelling to match her talents.

Audience Perspectives and the Film’s Future

Despite the critical ambivalence, some viewers have found value in Couture’s subtle approach and thematic ambitions.

The film’s focus on women’s experiences in fashion and the body’s vulnerability resonates with certain audiences who appreciate its nuanced, if understated, storytelling style.

As Couture continues its festival run and eventual wider release, it may find a more appreciative niche among arthouse cinema enthusiasts.

Its exploration of identity, illness, and ambition, while imperfectly executed, contributes to ongoing conversations about women’s roles both on and off screen.

Conclusion: A Star’s Shine Amidst a Dimmed Narrative

Angelina Jolie’s return to the screen with Couture is a testament to her enduring presence and willingness to tackle challenging material.

Her appearance at the San Sebastian Film Festival reaffirmed her status as a glamorous and influential figure in cinema and beyond.

However, the film itself, despite its promising premise and talented cast, fell short of expectations, hampered by a script and direction that failed to fully realize its potential.

Critics lamented its lack of emotional depth, uneven storytelling, and missed opportunities to dramatize the fascinating world of fashion and personal struggle.

Couture serves as a reminder that even the most compelling real-life stories require equally compelling cinematic treatment to resonate.

For Angelina Jolie, the experience may inspire future projects that better harness her formidable talent and personal narrative.

As audiences and critics continue to discuss Couture, the film’s legacy will likely be shaped by its contrast between star power and storytelling shortcomings.

Angelina Jolie remains a commanding presence in Hollywood, but Couture illustrates the challenges of balancing personal inspiration with the demands of engaging filmmaking.