While she might not have the same A-list status in the US as someone like Jennifer Lawrence, Vicky Krieps is easily one of the best actors working today. After her breakout role in Paul Thomas Anderson’s “Phantom Thread,” Krieps has been one of the most consistent performers, delivering one astounding performance after another. So, it means a lot when reviews for “Corsage” started to say that it might be Krieps’ best role yet.
As seen in the trailer for “Corsage,” the period drama tells the story of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, who ruled in the 19th century. The film picks up as she is celebrating her 40th birthday in 1877 and must continue to keep up appearances as not just a political leader but as a bit of a fashion icon. The drama is written and directed by Marie Kreutzer. “Corsage” debuted at this year’s Cannes, where it took home the Best Performance prize in the Un Certain Regard section for Krieps’ work.
In our review of the film, we said, “Echoing the melancholy of Pablo Larraín’s recent royal affair ‘Spencer,’ the glamorous lust of Yorgos Lanthimos’ raunchy ‘The Favourite,’ and the visual opulence of Sofia Coppola’s ‘Marie Antoinette,’ Kreutzer’s rendition of one of history’s most tragic tales is an inspired addition to period films dedicated to complex women.”
“Corsage” arrives in theaters on December 23. You can watch the trailer below.
Here’s the synopsis:
Written and directed by Kreutzer, CORSAGE follows Empress Elisabeth of Austria (Krieps), one of the most magnetic royals of the 19th century, who was idolized for her beauty and renowned for inspiring fashion trends. But in 1877, ‘Sisi’ celebrates her 40th birthday and must fight to maintain her public image by lacing her corset ever tighter. While Elisabeth’s role has been reduced against her wishes to purely performative, her hunger for knowledge and zest for life makes her more and more restless in Vienna. She travels to England and Bavaria, visiting former lovers and old friends, seeking the excitement and purpose of her youth. With a future of strictly ceremonial duties laid out in front of her, Elisabeth rebels against the hyperbolized image of herself and comes up with a plan to protect her legacy.