A Little Chaos

"Although A Little Chaos doesn’t shy away from romance entirely, the bodices most at risk of ripping in this period drama are those sported by Kate Winslet while she gets her hands dirty working on a new addition to the gardens of Versailles. As Sabine De Barra, scoring the highly contested gig to spruce up King Louis XIV’s backyard, Winslet’s a pleasantly capable, self-possessed presence and something of a rarity in that she’s the only woman seen doing any actual work (though this is perhaps unsurprising for landscape gardeners circa 17th Century)."

"Too often, helmer Rickman galumphs through what’s meant to be a witty romp, underlining the script’s most obvious, rigged qualities."

"Winslet manages emotional honesty within anachronistic confines, and Schoenaerts escapes with dignity."

"Sometimes it's awkward, sometimes it works. These singular, detached vignettes keep the film interesting, even as its momentum seems to falter, its purpose to be a little unclear."

"It lacks real dramatic edge and may be seen as a typical British period costume film, but it is also a classily made pleasure that will delight its target audience."

"It takes some doing to waste the talents of two of Europe’s finest actors"

"Winslet’s mix of grace, gumption and private sadness is the chief reason to keep watching, but she deserves a more dynamic film."

"Lovely, engaging performances keep the film’s heart beating in a sweet if sometimes listless search for Eden."