FIREBRAND

• 121mins |

***Firebrand was a complete sell-out at our pre-release festival screening in Aug - now returning for a full week***

Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.

One woman managed to live through and survive the tumultuous sovereignty of King Henry VIII. That woman is Catherine Parr (Alicia Vikander). Director Karim Aïnouz brings her story to life with conviction and style in this historical period drama based on the 2013 novel ‘Queen’s Gambit’ by Elizabeth Fremantle. Parr possessed a certain strength and dedication. She spent time perfecting her craft of writing and spreading her modern religious views while ruling as regent queen when her husband went off to handle military affairs. However, Catherine’s passion for tolerance leads her down a dangerous path when she begins to make frequent visits to Anne Askew (Erin Doherty), a protestant radical who calls for the end of Henry VIII’s rule. Such an act would be treason, and should she get caught, King Henry would have no difficulty resorting to old measures. This is a survival tale as good as any, when her back was pushed against the wall, Parr had to pursue desperate measures. The two leads provide stellar memorable performances with Oscar-winner Vikander being quietly compelling in every scene, whilst Law revels in playing the decaying king.

UK/USA 2024 Karim Aïnouz 121m