Firebrand (2023) User Reviews

Slay Queen, I mean literally, Slay

[chenp-54708 · 7/10 · 5 May 2024]

Honestly, I am a bit surprised with the low reception this movie has been getting because while I can understand some of the writing faults and direction choices being strange, I still thought it was an good ambitious tale of Katherine Parr with strong direction from Karim Aïnouz, gorgeous costumes, and strong performances from the entire cast.

Karim Aïnouz's direction remains powerful and vibrate and with this being his first English movie outside of Brazil, while some choices were odd, his direction remained well. The costumes, colorful presentation, musical soundtrack, designs, and the structures are all great. All of the performances are good as Alicia Vikander and Jude Law have great chemistry both volatile, smart, and love. The writing has some interesting concepts, themes, and atmospheres explored which I enjoyed, although some being predictable. The camerawork, unfortunately, is the worst aspect because the camerawork felt flat and usually Aïnouz approach on the camerawork is pretty good but here, it feels too flat which made certain moments feel lifeless.

Overall, it's not one of Karim Aïnouz best works but I thought it was ambitious and still engaging throughout.

A Tense and Thrilling Tudor Drama with Stellar Performances

[ergo-58534 · 10/10 · 13 July 2023]

Firebrand, the first English-language film by Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz, is a gripping and captivating historical drama that tells the story of Katherine Parr, the sixth and last wife of King Henry VIII. Based on the novel Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle, the film follows Katherine as she becomes the queen of England and faces the dangers and intrigues of the Tudor court.

The film is a showcase for the talents of Alicia Vikander and Jude Law, who play Katherine and Henry with charisma and intensity. Vikander delivers a nuanced and powerful performance as Katherine, who is a smart, brave and independent woman who tries to balance her love, faith and duty in a hostile environment. Law is equally impressive as Henry, who is a volatile, paranoid and ruthless ruler who can turn from charming to cruel in an instant. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Sam Riley as Katherine's lover Thomas Seymour, Eddie Marsan as his ambitious brother Edward Seymour, Simon Russell Beale as the scheming bishop Stephen Gardiner, and Erin Doherty as the rebellious martyr Anne Askew.

The film is a visual feast, with stunning cinematography by Hélène Louvart, who creates a contrast between the lush and colorful landscapes and the dark and claustrophobic interiors of the palace. The film's score by Dickon Hinchliffe is also effective, creating a mood of suspense and emotion. The film's script by Henrietta Ashworth and Jessica Ashworth is well-written, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a compelling narrative that keeps the audience on edge.

Firebrand is a film that offers a fresh and feminist perspective on a familiar historical figure, while also delivering a thrilling and engaging drama that explores themes of power, religion, loyalty and betrayal. It is a film that will appeal to fans of period dramas, but also to anyone who enjoys a good story with complex characters and high stakes.