Firebrand (2023)

Firebrand is a gripping, reimagined historical thriller set in Tudor England, focusing on the tumultuous marriage between Catherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) and the ailing King Henry VIII (Jude Law). Catherine, Henry’s sixth and final wife, reluctantly accepts the marriage, despite knowing the grim fates of her predecessors. Her primary motivation lies in her desire to foster religious reforms and protect the Protestant sympathizers she secretly supports. As the king’s health deteriorates, his paranoia intensifies, heightening Catherine’s personal danger and pushing her to navigate the treacherous politics of his court.

When Catherine is named Regent in Henry’s absence, her influence grows, alarming the powerful factions around her. These figures, including Thomas and Edward Seymour, closely monitor her alliances, particularly with radical reformists like her friend Anne Askew, a woman who challenges traditional religious norms. Upon Henry's return, these courtiers feed his suspicions, aiming to turn his wrath onto perceived threats like Catherine’s supporters, leaving her in a precarious position as she seeks survival while remaining true to her ideals.

Director Karim Aïnouz brings a somber atmosphere to the film, with stark contrasts between England’s darkened court and the misty countryside, captured through Hélène Louvart’s cinematography. Jude Law’s transformation as the volatile, decaying king is particularly noted, portraying a man whose physical decline mirrors his growing instability. The film weaves suspense with historical elements, making Catherine's journey a tense struggle for autonomy and justice in a dangerous patriarchal environment.

Many reviews praise its atmospheric visuals and Law’s portrayal of Henry VIII’s terrifying unpredictability, even as some find the pacing and revisionist elements challenging. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and has divided critics, underscoring its bold attempt to explore Catherine Parr’s resilience and defiance amid Tudor-era oppression​.