Watch Corsage

Corsage is a thought-provoking costume drama that delves into the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, often known as "Sisi," during the latter part of the 19th century. Directed by Marie Kreutzer, the film stars Vicky Krieps in a standout performance as the enigmatic empress, showcasing a blend of historical narrative with modern sensibilities. Together with Florian Teichtmeister and Katharina Lorenz, Krieps embodies a character far removed from the typical docile monarch, presenting a persona that challenges the era's suffocating norms and societal pressures.

Set in 1877, the film explores the period surrounding Elisabeth's 40th birthday—a momentous occasion for any royal but one that held particular weight for the empress. During this time, women of her status, especially those within the public eye, were scrutinized for signs of aging and expected to retreat gracefully from the spotlight as they matured. The title itself, Corsage, refers to a garment that constricts and shapes the body, symbolizing the societal constraints placed on women of her rank and the ongoing obsession with youthful beauty and feminine ideals.

As an empress beloved for her physical allure and regal poise, Elisabeth grapples with her aging beauty and the expectations that come with royal duty. The film doesn't shy away from depicting the court's obsession with appearances—ranging from stringent dietary regimes to rigorous beauty treatments—all of which Elisabeth endures with a mixture of grace and concealed frustration. Her desire to maintain her public image battles with her longing for personal freedom and self-expression.

Vicky Krieps brings a nuanced performance to the role, embodying the depth and complexity of Elisabeth's character. Her portrayal is that of a woman who defies easy categorization—intelligent, charismatic, deeply introspective, and at times painfully aware of her gilded cage. Her relationships with her husband, Emperor Franz Joseph (Florian Teichtmeister), and her lady-in-waiting (Katharina Lorenz), among others, illustrate the multifaceted nature of courtly associations—shifting between the formal, the platonic, and the intrinsically political.

Despite the historical setting, Corsage is imbued with a contemporary feel, which is emblematic of Kreutzer's directorial style. Instead of focusing solely on the facts of the period, the film explores the emotional and psychological landscape of a woman who would be extraordinary in any age. It's this approach that positions Corsage as a unique entry into the historical drama genre. Kreutzer refrains from relegating Elisabeth to the sidelines of her own story; instead, she is the undeniable focal point of the film, with every scene enriching our understanding of what it might have meant to be her—both the iconic figure and the woman behind the public façade.

What may particularly strike audiences is the sharp contrast between the film's lavish costuming and set design with its progressive and feminist undercurrent. The sets are meticulously crafted, showcasing the opulence of Habsburg life. Each scene is beautifully composed, resembling a moving oil painting—a testament to the talents of the film's production and costume designers. But beneath the finery and historical accuracy lies an unmistakably anachronistic pulse, felt in everything from the dialogue's subtle modern nuances to the isolation and internal struggle that Elisabeth faces, which transcend her time and speak volumes about women's roles across the ages.

Corsage avoids devolving into a simplistic biopic by focusing on the emotional truth rather than a minute-by-minute historical record. Its deviation from strict historical documentation allows for speculative moments that ponder Elisabeth's internal desires, dreams, and fears. In this way, the movie invites discussions about societal pressures that persistently challenge women's autonomy, both in the past and the present.

The camera often lingers on Krieps as she infuses every gesture with meaning—whether she is stifled by the suffocating ambience of rigid protocol or in rare moments of authenticity, experiencing a fleeting sense of liberty. The film charts Elisabeth’s subtle acts of rebellion, too—whether that manifests through her choices in fashion, exercise, or relationships—an assertion of self in small but meaningful degrees against a backdrop of judgment and expectation.

Corsage, with its sumptuous visuals and a career-defining turn by Vicky Krieps, is a film that emphasizes the complexities of a historical figure who appears to be equally trapped by her beauty and her royalty. It captures the humanity behind the tiara, using the medium of film to draw parallels between an empress's enigmatic existence and the universal quest for self-determination and resonance in a world that often seems determined to stifle individuality. It is a tale of opulence, rebellion, and the intricate dance between public image and personal truth, a captivating exploration of timeless themes through the lens of a singular life.

Corsage is a 2022 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 53 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6 and a MetaScore of 76.