The film should be especially enticing for those who have followed the era in which they flourished and educational for those who do not know the period. One is transported into the turbulent lives of the principals, with the infighting and manipulations that occurred in the publishing world.

Leduc, who was born out of wedlock, is portrayed as having a lousy relationship with a sullen man who is gay. Nevertheless, before they split he encourages her to pursue her writing talent. Sexually, she had an early lesbian experience, and when she meets de Beauvoir, she is smitten. De Beauvoir rejects her advances but sees in Leduc a great writing talent and is committed to reading her work and trying to help her get it published. De Beauvoir, known, of course, for her passionate writing in the cause of greater freedom for women, is an influential force. As portrayed by Kiberlain, she is solemn and determined to protect her privacy in the face of Leduc’s constant intrusions fueled by her deep feelings, anxieties and compulsive behavior.

Both actresses give powerful performances, which makes the film fascinating to watch on those terms alone. But the writer-director succeeds in providing insight into both writers, at least as depicted, as well as into the period. The cinematography and settings add to the sense of reality even though we know this is a dramatic treatment, not a documentary. Supporting characters are also played effectively and on occasion amusingly.