Potiche

Potiche

Year: 2011

Runtime: 103 min

Language: French

Director: François Ozon

Comedy

In 1977 France, Suzanne Pujol is a trophy wife whose life revolves around her husband's strict rules. When his umbrella factory is struck by workers, Suzanne unexpectedly finds herself in charge. She embraces the challenge, shedding her repressed nature and gaining the admiration of the employees while discovering a sense of independence. However, her newfound freedom is threatened when her husband returns from vacation, determined to regain control.

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Timeline – Potiche (2011)

Trace every key event in Potiche (2011) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Suzanne, a trophy wife in Sainte-Gudule

In 1977, Suzanne Pujol is the submissive wife of Robert, the tyrannical president of the umbrella factory. He patronizes her and treats workers with contempt. Her comfortable status masks a fragile balance of power at home and in town.

1977 Sainte-Gudule, Nord
2

The factory strike and Robert's hostage situation

The umbrella factory workers go on strike, demanding better conditions. Robert storms off to confront them and is taken hostage by the strikers. The incident exposes the vulnerability of management under pressure and sets in motion Suzanne's potential role.

strike day Umbrella factory, Sainte-Gudule
3

Suzanne negotiates for Robert's release with Babin

That night, Suzanne visits Maurice Babin, the town's Communist mayor and former union leader, to negotiate for Robert's release. The meeting reveals a potential ally who could reshape the town's power dynamics. The stage is set for Suzanne to step into leadership.

the night of the strike Town hall
4

Robert's heart attack and hospitalization

The next day, Babin confronts Robert about misusing company funds for luxuries, and Robert suffers a heart attack, landing him in the hospital. Suzanne's and Babin's negotiations shift as Robert's health crisis creates an opening. The hospital scene marks the turning point in who will run the factory.

the day after strike Hospital
5

Suzanne takes over management and stabilizes the factory

Babin convinces Suzanne to take over management in Robert's absence. She adopts a diplomatic, worker-friendly approach and quickly eases tensions, getting production back on track. Laurent designs new umbrella patterns inspired by Kandinsky, boosting sales and showing the family’s potential impact.

shortly after hospitalization Umbrella factory
6

Nightclub dance and kiss with Babin

Suzanne and Babin go to a nightclub, dancing together as a sign of their evolving relationship. He proposes that they rekindle their affair, but she refuses; they agree to remain friends, and she even shares a kiss.

later that night Nightclub
7

Robert returns and tries to seize control

When Robert recovers, he tries to regain control of the factory. Suzanne asserts she holds the majority of shares and resists his bid for power. The balance of power in the company tilts decisively in her favor.

after hospital recovery Factory/office
8

Nadège ends affair and backs Suzanne

Nadège ends her affair with Robert and sides with Suzanne, showing respect that Robert never gave. She becomes a quiet supporter of Suzanne's leadership moving forward. These changes consolidate Suzanne's position.

after Suzanne's takeover Factory
9

Paternity claims arise during family revelations

Robert reveals that Laurent's fiancée's mother was his mistress, challenging Suzanne's claims. Suzanne counters that Laurent is not Robert's son, noting that she herself was unfaithful early in their marriage. The revelation deepens the family’s tangled relationships.

during revelations Family home
10

Joëlle's locket and Babin's initial belief

Joëlle hands Robert Suzanne's locket, which contains photos of her and Babin. Robert confronts Babin, intending to blackmail him with the idea of an illegitimate son. Babin is initially overjoyed to think Laurent might be his son.

around locket event Town/Home
11

Lake confrontation and Laurent not Babin's son

Babin drives with Suzanne to a lake, where she clarifies that Laurent is not Babin's son either and hints that his real father was a notary she had an affair with. Babin is disappointed and leaves Suzanne alone at the lakeside.

after locket event Lake
12

Boardroom coup and transfer of control

At a board meeting to determine the factory's future, Joëlle unexpectedly transfers her shares to Robert, leaving Suzanne with little influence. Suzanne is forced to hand over management to her husband, marking a major setback. The power structure in the company shifts away from Suzanne.

shortly after lake Boardroom
13

Joëlle's confession and pregnancy

Joëlle reveals that Robert had promised to hire her husband in exchange for her shares, and that she is pregnant again and does not want a divorce. The revelation exposes the transactional nature of the family’s power. The factory's leadership is unsettled by these loyalties.

after board decision Joëlle's home
14

Suzanne's personal split and political pivot

A few months later, Suzanne and Robert are in the middle of a divorce, though they still live together. Inspired by her newfound independence, she turns to politics and runs for mayor as an independent against Babin. Her bid signals a new phase for both her life and Sainte-Gudule.

a few months later Town
15

Suzanne becomes deputy; Babin remains mayor

She is elected as a deputy, marking a leap into politics while Babin continues as mayor. Her victory signals a major shift in the town's power dynamics and the Umbrella Factory's legacy.

shortly after election Town hall

Last Updated: October 14, 2025 at 04:07

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