Wingwomen – Review
Netflix and Melanie Laurent’s “Wingwomen” is a fun but forgettable action-comedy that is light in drama and plot.
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“Wingwomen” General Information
| Director | Melanie Laurent |
| Screenplay By | Cedric Anger and Cristophe Deslandes |
| Based On | “The Grande Odalisque” by Jérôme Mulot,Florent Ruppert, and Bastien Vivès |
| Date Released (Netflix) | November 1, 2023 |
| Genre(s) | Action
Non-English (French) |
| Film Length | 1 Hour, 55 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated TV-MA |
| Noted Characters and Cast | |
| Carole | Melanie Laurent |
| Alex | Adele Exarchopoulos |
| Sam | Manon Bresch |
| Marraine | Isabelle Adjani |
Content Rating Explanation
“Wingwomen” is TV-MA due to profanity, violence, and sexual content—sometimes all at the same time.
“Wingwomen” Film Summary
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“Wingwomen” is equally a cringe-inducing and fitting title for a movie that celebrates women’s friendship in an explosion of bullets. This French action-comedy showcases contrasting genres that do not always work together, but when they do, an otherworldly, charming art form is produced. Director and star Melanie Laurent takes a common Netflix product and infuses “Wingwomen” with some genuine pathos and quiet beauty.
In “Wingwomen,” Carole (Melanie Laurent) and Alex (Adele Exarchopoulos) are highly skilled yet disillusioned thieves who get more of a thrill talking about dinner than their next score. The two grumble about men and their working woes but constantly support and celebrate each other. When Carole finds out she’s pregnant, she tries to leave the life of crime behind. Her powerful and menacing employer, “The Godmother” Marraine (Isabelle Adjani), refuses to let Carole leave. She threatens Alex’s life and other innocent lives if Carole doesn’t agree to stay a crony. Carole agrees to do one more mission for Marraine, as long as she has Alex by her side.
The two best friends enlist the help of a driver, Sam (Manon Bresch), to help with their final score. Sam trains under Carole and Alex while welcoming their friendship. The three develop a bond that seems unbreakable, but what happens when Carole is willing to sacrifice herself to make sure the other two escape?
“Wingwomen” is light in plot and drama, which can sometimes feel like watching people trade quips while kicking ass for two hours. This can describe a lot of action films, but not many memorable ones. What separates “Wingwomen” from the standard action or Netflix flair is a portrayal of friendship that feels natural and takes time to create a mood rather than sell adrenaline.
Other Noteworthy Information
- Melanie Laurent directs and stars in “Wingwomen.”
- The original French title is “Voleusus,” which translates to “thieves.”
“Wingwomen” Character Descriptions
Please Note: This character guide is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, and character descriptions may contain what can be considered spoilers.
Carole
Carole is a highly skilled and trained thief and assassin who is partners-in-crime with Alex. While they both work for Marraine, Carole is more apprehensive of the work and dangerous lifestyle. When Carole finds out she’s pregnant, she desperately tries to leave her life of crime behind.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Inglourious Basterds,” their role in “Beginners,” and their role in “Now You See Me.”
Alex
Alex is the more aggressive and spunky friend out of the two. She’s highly protective of Carole and isn’t afraid to fight and kill her way out of any situation.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Blue is the Warmest Color,” their role in “Orphan,” and their role in “Down by Love.”
Sam
Sam is the rookie of the gang. She is hired as a professional getaway driver, but Carole and Alex take Same under their wing to train her in combat and theft along the way.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Grown Ups,” their role in “Mortel,” and their role in “A Place to Fight For.”
Marraine
As “the Godmother” and head of the crime syndicate, Marraine holds all the power, knowledge, and Carole’s life in her hands. Because of Marraine’s immense wealth and henchmen, she is able to do anything she pleases and forces Carole and Alex into one last mission.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Possession,” their role in “Camille Claudel,” and their role in “The Story of Adele H.”
“Wingwomen” Review
Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)
Highlights
A Patient Portrayal of Female Friendship
“Wingwomen” takes time to show the close bond between Carole and Alex. Some scenes involve the two dancing together, laying together, or simply smiling at each other; these scenes do not serve the plot, but they serve the message. One of the best scenes is in the opening credits, watching Carole and Alex drift through the air as they talk about food. The scene sets the whimsy and intimacy displayed in the strongest moments of “Wingwomen.”
On The Fence
The Stakes Never Feel Raised
The protagonists never truly feel in danger in “Wingwomen,” and in a story about violence and danger, where’s the drama if our protagonists are more occupied making jokes than breaking a sweat? There’s a brief moment at the end that shows a potential loss, but this loss isn’t fully developed or felt before the movie quickly reverses it. “Wingwomen” presents a nice time to hang out with these characters, but what’s the point of the guns if nothing is truly threatened?
Clashing Genres Reveal a Thin Plot
There are moments in “Wingwomen” that feel like they’re trying to be cool and a parody of heist films at the same time. The action, the comedy, the friendship story, the pregnancy, and the tossed-in romance all feel like they’re padding a thin main narrative instead of being connected.
Who Is This For?
Fans of female friendship movies, fans of French actors like Melanie Laurent or Adele Exarchopoulos, and fans of action comedies may enjoy “Wingwomen.”
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