A Royal Affair

Source: Magnolia Pictures

Note: Originally written in April 2016

Often history is ruthless and vile to noble characters and the plot of 'A Royal Affair' is no different. This very unique tale of how a love affair between a liberal doctor and the queen of the Danish empire influenced positive change in society is quite peculiar, partly tragic, partly beautiful and in some ways, like the rest of history, predictable. Director Nikolaj Arcel brings a great finesse to the table in staging and executing the narrative. The movie has a delicate balance of artistic flourish and raw intensity, majorly facilitated by Mads Mikkelsen and Alicia Vikander. Both these actors are effortless, charming and quite effective. Arcel is further supported in this balance by Rasmus Videbaek's striking visuals and a subdued soundtrack by Cyrille Aufort and Gabriel Yared. For what is a film capturing yet another episode in Europe's dramatic medieval history, 'A Royal Affair' is a balletic exposition of two enchanting characters, abled by two taut performances from Vikander and Mikkelsen. 

Read more on the film at IMDB and Letterboxd.