FIREBRAND - Review by Lachlan Thiele
EXT. FIREBLAND (AT TIMES) - DAY
Here we are again, another retelling of the King Henry VIII story, this time told from the perspective of Catherine Parr, played by Alicia Vikander. Jude Law plays her husband, the famed King, and they have enough chemistry on the screen to hold the fort down. While the story is the film's weakest point, the performances that come out of it are excellent.
Top marks are given to Law, who commands scenes with his presence. Unfortunately, there are 30-45mins without him at the start, which goes by VERY slowly. However, tension is formed between Henry and Catherine once introduced, keeping the audience engaged. During those opening moments, Catherine's motives are unclear; she seemingly moves through each scene without a goal, severing that connection that should have been established immediately. But thankfully, the film makes up for it in the final hour.
As per my title, the film, at times, is bland, presenting nothing to stand out against the competition. The costumes are good, and the cinematography is excellent, but the poor overdone story brings this movie down.
FADE OUT.