Julia (2021 film)

Julia is a 2021 American documentary film directed by Julie Cohen and Betsy West. The film chronicles the life of Julia Child, the renowned chef, television personality, and author who revolutionized American cuisine.

The documentary utilizes archival footage, photographs, personal letters, and interviews with those who knew Child, including Jacques Pépin, Ruth Reichl, and Jose Andrés. It explores her unconventional path to fame, starting with her time in Paris after World War II, where she attended Le Cordon Bleu cooking school.

Julia details Child's collaboration with Simone Beck and Louisette Bertholle to write Mastering the Art of French Cooking, a groundbreaking cookbook that introduced French cuisine to American home cooks. The film also covers her long-running television show, The French Chef, which made her a household name and transformed the way Americans thought about food and cooking.

Beyond her culinary accomplishments, the documentary delves into Child's personal life, including her marriage to Paul Child, her political views, and her impact on American culture. It aims to provide a comprehensive portrait of a woman who was not only a culinary icon but also a force of personality and a feminist figure. The film received critical acclaim for its insightful portrayal of Child's life and legacy.