Véronique is a beautiful young French woman who aspires to be a renowned singer; Weronika lives in Poland, has a similar career goal and looks identical to Véronique, though the two are not related. The film follows both women as they contend with the ups and downs of their individual lives, with Véronique embarking on an unusual romance with Alexandre Fabbri, a puppeteer who may be able to help her with her existential issues.
The parts do not quite fit, and anyway this is not a puzzle to be assembled. It is a romance about those moments we all sometimes have when we think we see ourselves at a distance.
– Roger Ebert,
Chicago Sun-Times,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
It operates purely on visual juxtapositions, emotion and the presence of lead actress Irene Jacob. In its own terms, it's subtly precious.
– Desson Thomson,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
A mesmerizing poetic work composed in an eerie minor key.
– Hal Hinson,
Washington Post,
1 Jan 2000
fresh:
Don't even attempt to resolve that paradox, and The Double Life of Veronique will work on its own poetic terms.
– Caryn James,
New York Times,
20 May 2003
fresh:
We see through a glass darkly, and often confusingly, but at least we see.