A revisionist historical thriller set in Tudor England.
In blood-soaked Tudor England, Katherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII, is named Regent while tyrant Henry is fighting overseas. Katherine has done everything she can to push for a new future based on her radical Protestant beliefs. When an increasingly ailing and paranoid King returns, he turns his fury on the radicals and Katherine soon finds herself fighting for her own survival.
With exceptional performances from Alicia Vikander and Jude Law, Karim Aïnouz’ English-language debut takes full advantage of its acclaimed cast in this visceral and gritty portrayal of the paranoia, misogyny, and dysfunction rife in Henry VIII’s court.
Cast/Avec
Alicia Vikander
Jude Law
Eddie Marsan
Screenplay
Henrietta Ashworth
Jessica Ashworth
Rosanne Flynn
based on the book Queen’s Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle
“Jude Law immediately joins the upper ranks of the great screen Henry VIIIs with an incendiary, movie-defining performance in this Cannes competition entry.”
Kevin Maher The Times 21/05/2023
Karim Aïnouz
Karim Aïnouz is a major figure in Brazilian cinema. He studied architecture at the University of Brazilian and cinema studies at the University of New York before starting his career as an editor and assistant director. He directed several short films before gaining international recognition with his first feature film Madame Satã (2002), selected for Un Certain Regard at Cannes. He received multiple selections and awards in festivals, including Futuro Beach (2014), in Competition at the Berlinale, and The Invisible Life of Eurídice Gusmão (2019), which won the Un Certain Regard at Cannes. Firebrand (2023) is presented at the LuxFimFest and Motel Destino (2024) is selected in Competition at Cannes. His latest film Rosebush Pruning (2026) had its world premiere in Competition at the Berlinale.
