In Karim Aïnouz’s gripping new film “Firebrand,” audiences are transported to the tumultuous final months of King Henry VIII’s reign, where his sixth wife, Katherine Parr, finds herself in a deadly game of survival. Played with terrifying menace by Jude Law, Henry VIII is depicted as a paranoid and angry ruler, suspicious of Katherine’s alliances with religious reformers.
Based on the Elizabeth Freemantle novel “Queen’s Gambit,” the film delves into the power struggles and political intrigue of the Tudor court. As Katherine tries to navigate the treacherous waters of Henry’s court, she must outwit the power-hungry bishop of Winchester, Stephen Gardiner, who is determined to see her convicted of heresy and treason.
Director Karim Aïnouz describes “Firebrand” as a thrilling historical drama, highlighting the battle of wills between Henry and Katherine. While many may know that Katherine survived Henry, the film delves into the intense ideological differences between the two, painting them as mortal enemies not just in the domestic sphere, but also on separate pages of history.
Critics have praised the film for its pungent and meaty portrayal of this lesser-known chapter of Tudor history. As audiences prepare to witness the gripping tale of survival and intrigue in “Firebrand,” they will be taken on a thrilling journey through the corridors of power and the complexities of royal politics.
