Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of Wingwomen (2023). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
Carole, portrayed by Mélanie Laurent, and her partner Alex, played by Adèle Exarchopoulos, are no ordinary crooks; they excel at executing elegant high-stakes heists under the shadowy guidance of a mysterious figure known as The Godmother, depicted by the illustrious Isabelle Adjani. However, everything takes a dramatic turn when Carole discovers she’s pregnant, prompting her to reassess her life choices and quit the criminal lifestyle she has so long embraced.
In search of solace, Carole and Alex retreat to a hidden sanctuary, hoping to escape the chaotic world they’ve been part of. Their safe haven, however, is violently disrupted when mercenaries, dispatched by The Godmother, storm their hideout, leaving the duo with no choice but to confront their menacing past. The tension escalates when Carole finds the courage to face The Godmother herself, but in a shocking twist, The Godmother issues a chilling ultimatum: unless Carole agrees to return to her life of crime and names her price, an innocent stranger will face the dire consequences.
Driven by desperation and the need for survival, Carole and Alex, along with a new ally, Sam—who is a recently widowed race car driver—decide to attempt one final heist. Sam initially grapples with feelings of resentment towards being roped into this dangerous world, yet over time, she forges a bond with Alex. Through Sam’s eyes, the audience learns about Carole’s history with Alex; the two have navigated through life’s turmoil together ever since Alex was a ferocious teenager at the age of 14.
As the trio successfully executes the heist, the climactic confrontation with The Godmother awaits, where Carole makes a heart-wrenching decision that changes everything. In an unexpected twist encapsulated in the haunting words, > “Unless you surrender, we can never be free,” Carole pushes Alex to embrace a life of independence. Tragically, her bravery leads to her demise at the hands of the police, leaving Alex in a state of emotional devastation, while Sam steps in to help her escape the impending chaos.
Fast forward four years, and Sam unexpectedly reunites with Alex, who has tried to leave behind her criminal past. The circumstances suggest a familiar plot is unfolding, as Sam believes she’s enticing Alex into yet another heist. But in a stunning revelation, Alex discovers that Carole is indeed alive, secretly raising her daughter, Raoule—an homage to the name Alex once suggested for Carole’s child. In this twist of fate, both joy and pain intertwine, leaving Alex to navigate the complexities of love, loyalty, and redemption.
Timeline
Track the key events of Wingwomen (2023) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Introduction of Carole and Alex
Carole and Alex are introduced as skilled thieves working under an enigmatic figure known as The Godmother. Their lives revolve around pulling off heists, highlighting their strong partnership and criminal lifestyle.
Carole learns she is pregnant
Carole discovers that she is pregnant, a revelation that profoundly impacts her perspective on their life of crime. This leads her to make the difficult decision to quit the business for the sake of her unborn child.
Escape to a secret retreat
In an effort to leave their criminal past behind, Carole and Alex escape to a secluded retreat. However, their peace is short-lived as mercenaries sent by The Godmother launch an attack on their hideout.
Confrontation with The Godmother
Carole decides to confront The Godmother, where tensions escalate dramatically. The Godmother threatens to kill an innocent person unless Carole agrees to return and name her price for coming back.
Decision for one last heist
Facing pressure from The Godmother, Carole and Alex opt to pull off one final heist to secure their freedom. They involve Sam, a recently widowed race car driver, to serve as their getaway driver.
Alex's initial confrontation with Sam
Initially, Alex feels anger about Sam being brought into their heist plan, worried that it may jeopardize their operation. However, she gradually begins to warm up to Sam as they work together in planning the heist.
Backstory of Carole and Alex
As the heist preparations unfold, Sam learns more about Carole's history with Alex. Carole had met Alex when she was a troubled 14-year-old, forming the foundation of their close friendship and partnership.
The heist is successfully executed
The trio successfully pulls off the heist, showcasing their skills and teamwork. This success, however, sets the stage for an intense confrontation with The Godmother following their return.
Betrayal and assassination
In a shocking twist, Carole tells Alex to assassinate The Godmother during their meeting. This act of betrayal complicates their relationships and sets off a chain reaction of events leading to unforeseen consequences.
Carole's sacrifice
After the assassination, Carole implores Alex to surrender to the police, insisting that it is the only way for them to truly be free. Tragically, while trying to protect Alex's future, Carole is shot by the police.
Alex's escape with Sam
In the aftermath of Carole's death, Sam helps a distraught Alex escape from the scene. The two devise a plan to get away from the chaos, marking the start of new uncertainties in their lives.
Four years later: Alex's new life
Four years pass, and Alex has managed to leave her criminal past behind, living a life devoid of crime. However, her past comes knocking when Sam approaches her with an unexpected proposition.
Revelation of Carole's survival
Sam's visit reveals that Carole is actually alive, having been in hiding with her daughter Raoule. This revelation changes everything for Alex, reopening old wounds and complicating her life's direction.
Naming the daughter
The daughter of Carole is named Raoule, the name suggested by Alex during their time together. This connection to the past highlights the bond that still unites the three women despite the turmoil they have faced.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring Wingwomen (2023) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Carole (Mélanie Laurent)
Carole is a strong and determined thief facing imminent motherhood, which prompts her to rethink her life choices. Her journey from a life of crime to seeking redemption reveals a complex inner struggle between loyalty to her partner and the instinct to protect her unborn child.
Alex (Adèle Exarchopoulos)
Alex is Carole's fiercely loyal partner who grapples with her emotions as their criminal activities reach a climax. Initially resentful of the newcomer Sam, she evolves through her experiences, ultimately facing tough decisions about her future and relationships.
The Godmother (Isabelle Adjani)
The Godmother maintains a mysterious and menacing presence throughout the film, representing the dangerous world from which Carole and Alex want to escape. Her manipulation one last time forces the protagonists into a brink of moral decision-making.
Sam (Manon Bresch)
Sam is a recently widowed race car driver who unexpectedly becomes part of the heist crew. Her character serves as a catalyst for change, pushing Alex to confront her feelings about her life choices and what freedom truly means.
Setting
Uncover the settings of Wingwomen (2023), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The events occur in contemporary times, reflecting modern life and contemporary societal issues. The characters' struggles with crime, morality, and relationships underline the complexity of their choices in a fast-paced world.
Location
Secret Retreat
The secret retreat serves as a sanctuary for Carole and Alex as they attempt to escape their life of crime. It is isolated and safe from the prying eyes of their employer, The Godmother. This location plays a crucial role in their decision-making as they grapple with their past choices.
Themes
Explore the core themes of Wingwomen (2023). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Betrayal
Betrayal weaves through the narrative as Carole's loyalty is tested by The Godmother. The ultimate act of betrayal comes when Alex is forced to assassinate The Godmother, revealing the deep complexities of trust within their criminal partnership.
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Motherhood
Motherhood is a central theme as Carole's pregnancy shifts her priorities away from crime, leading to profound character development. The decision to name her daughter Raoule signifies a hope for a new beginning, highlighting the transformative power of motherhood.
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Freedom
The pursuit of freedom drives the characters’ actions, as they seek to escape their criminal past. Carole’s ultimate sacrifice highlights the painful choices one must make to achieve true freedom, especially for those left behind.
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