Karim Aïnouz and his new film vision
Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz has again noticed in the world of cinema with his latest project, ‘The last queen’. This work, which was presented at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, is an adaptation of the script of Henrietta and Jessica Ashworth, based on the novel ‘The Game of the Queen’ ‘by Elizabeth Fremantle. The film explores the life of Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of Henry VIII, and arrives at the rooms at a time when Aïnouz also expects the premiere of ‘Motel Destino’, a film that competed in the same festival the previous year.
A trip to Tudor Court
With a captivating visual style, ‘The Last Queen’ delves into the intrigues and tensions of the Tudor Court, where the figure of Katherine Parr emerges as a defender of religious tolerance and reform. Aïnouz highlights his influence on a violence and politics environment, showing how Katherine becomes a lighthouse of hope in a world of terror and repression.
Katherine Parr: A Forgotten Heroine
Through a narrative that challenges the traditional notions of history, the film reminds us that the stories of the past are often written by men, leaving aside female voices. Aïnouz, in his vision, invites us to reflect on the importance of Katherine, who served as a regent queen for a key period after Henry VIII’s death.
Prominent performances
Alicia Vikander’s interpretation as Katherine Parr is one of the brightest points in the film, portraying a woman struggling for her survival in a hostile environment. Beside him, Jude Law brings a disturbing depth to the character of Henry VIII, presenting a tortured, sadistic monarch and capable of committing atrocities. Actors Sam Riley, Eddie Marsan, Amr Waked and Patsy Ferran complete a cast that brings great strength to this complex story.
A reflection on power and history
With a tone that ranges from heavy and delusional, ‘The last queen’ transports us to a world of contradictions and horrors. Not only does Aïnouz presents a story of survival, but also questions the way history has forgotten women who have played a crucial role in events that have marked the course of time.
A nova was from feminist cinema
With this work, Aïnouz is part of a broader tendency within contemporary cinema that seeks to give voice to female figures, often ignored, of history. ‘The last queen’ is, therefore, an invitation to rediscover the past with a renewed look, valuing the role of women who have fought silently for their dignity and their ideals.