SummaryIn blood-soaked Tudor England, twice married, accomplished, and educated Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander), reluctantly agrees to become the sixth wife of the tyrannical King Henry VIII (Jude Law). Her consent to marry him carries great personal risk, given that her predecessors are either vanquished, beheaded, or dead. When Henry appoints her as ... Read More
Directed By:Karim Aïnouz
Written By:Henrietta Ashworth, Jessica Ashworth, Elizabeth Fremantle, Rosanne Flynn
Firebrand
Metascore
Mixed or Average
54
User score
Mixed or Average
6.0
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Top Cast
Metascore
Mixed or Average
25% Positive
6 Reviews
6 Reviews
71% Mixed
17 Reviews
17 Reviews
4% Negative
1 Review
1 Review
May 22, 2023
90
The threat posed by women who think for themselves to the absolute power of men is a central theme in this starch-free tale of Tudor intrigue, its protofeminist perspective seamlessly woven into the narrative fabric without a hint of the didactic.
May 30, 2023
70
Sure, the script takes wild liberties that bear no resemblance to historical accuracies, but with Vikander and Law leading this wonderful ensemble, it’s a rather welcomed addition that will keep your eyes glued to the screen from start to finish.
User score
Mixed or Average
36% Positive
5 Ratings
5 Ratings
57% Mixed
8 Ratings
8 Ratings
7% Negative
1 Rating
1 Rating
Jun 15, 2024
9
The threat posed by women who think for themselves to the absolute power of men is a central theme in this starch-free tale of Tudor intrigue, its protofeminist perspective seamlessly woven into the narrative fabric without a hint of the didactic.
Oct 9, 2024
5
'Firebrand' is a tedious historical drama about Catherine Parr, Henry VIII's last wife, and the brief religious conflict she was involved in. Jude Law goes into full grotesque mode to play the despot, while Alicia Vikander brings a subtle ferocity to her role. However, the insistent focus on the king doesn't allow much insight into the queen consort's inner travails. What little tension there is, either on a personal or religious level, evaporates as soon as it arrives. The costume and production design and a more visceral view of royalty are notable, but the pacing is not its greatest strength.
May 23, 2023
60
It’s hampered by a pedestrian script and an improbable ending, but always catches fire when the supercharged Law is on screen.
Jun 21, 2024
50
There’s a lot jam-packed into this movie, but it’s in such a rush to get through it all and to not bore us that it … well, it bores us. We’re lost, and we’re clearly not supposed to be.
Jun 14, 2024
50
Aïnouz rarely builds tension through these machinations; surprisingly, given what’s at stake, “Firebrand” is often a bit of a slog.
May 22, 2023
50
With a messy story and confusing characters, Aïnouz's Firebrand is a disappointment to behold no matter how exquisite the film looks.
Jun 10, 2024
38
Ultimately, in trying to make Katherine both a historical girlboss and a near-martyr to a vaguely articulated cause, Firebrand’s meandering, under-baked screenplay manages to neither have its cake nor eat it too.
Jun 18, 2024
5
Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander) was the 6th and final wife of King Henry VIII (Jude Law). Her loyalty is challenged when her religious beliefs clash with her husband's. As many royal stories go, this one offers a fascinating history lesson. As a dramatic experience, the slow pace keeps it from gathering much narrative steam. It's the performances that are most rewarding aspect: Vikander handles the complex demands of her character well, but it's Law's blustering, bombastic, boorish creation that's an over-the-top delight. The cinematography is intimate and dark, like the direction. Fans of historical drama can find aspects to enjoy, but the unhurried tempo doesn't elevate what is ultimately a pedestrian approach to the genre.
Production Company:
- MBK Productions
- FilmNation Entertainment
- Brouhaha Entertainment
- Magnolia Mae Films
Release Date:Jun 14, 2024
Duration:2 h
Rating:R
Tagline:Henry VIII had six wives. One survived.
Website:
Awards
British Independent Film Awards
• 1 Win & 2 Nominations
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
