Watch The King's Daughter

In 2022's The King's Daughter, audiences are transported to 17th-century France for an enchanting and imaginative adventure. Starring Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, and William Hurt, this historical fantasy film invites viewers into a world where science collides with mythology, and where the quest for immortality intertwines with the pursuit of true love.

The movie centers around a young princess named Marie-Josèphe, portrayed by the talented Kaya Scodelario. Born with a special gift, she possesses the strange ability to extract the souls of living creatures through her touch. Haunted by her extraordinary power, she lives her life sequestered in the palace, longing for a normal existence like that of ordinary people. As she wrestles with her unique burden, she yearns for freedom and connection.

Enter the scientist and philosopher Descartes, played by Pierce Brosnan. Fascinated by the promise of immortality, Descartes has dedicated his life's work to finding the elusive Elixir of Life, a potion said to grant eternal youth and vitality. When he learns of Marie-Josèphe's rare gift, he sees an opportunity to unlock the secrets of mortality and save himself from the fear of death.

As Descartes forms an unlikely alliance with Marie-Josèphe's father, King Louis XIV, portrayed by William Hurt, they begin an ambitious quest to harness the princess's powers and discover the key to eternal life. However, amidst their scientific pursuits, a love story quietly emerges. Marie-Josèphe discovers a connection with a charming young nobleman, played by an upcoming talent, which transcends the boundaries of her extraordinary abilities. Their blossoming romance offers the Princess a glimpse of the ordinary life she has always craved, and poses profound questions about the value of mortality versus the pursuit of endless existence.

Directed by award-winning filmmaker Sean McNamara, The King's Daughter showcases opulent sets, breathtaking costumes, and stunning visual effects that transport viewers to the grandeur of 17th-century France. The cinematography expertly captures both the sumptuousness of court life and the ethereal beauty of the mystical realms that Marie-Josèphe encounters through her unique ability.

Beyond its dazzling aesthetics, the film delves into profound themes of identity, love, and the consequences of playing God. It explores whether the quest for immortality is worth sacrificing the joys and experiences that come with the natural cycle of life and death. As the story unfolds, the audience is left pondering the moral implications of the characters' actions and the dilemmas they face.

The ensemble cast comprising Pierce Brosnan, Kaya Scodelario, and William Hurt bring depth and nuance to their respective roles, making the characters come alive on screen. Brosnan's performance as Descartes embodies a conflicted genius driven by ambition, while Scodelario portrays Marie-Josèphe's vulnerability and longing with sensitivity. William Hurt as King Louis XIV exudes regal authority yet conveys a father's love and concern for his daughter.

With its blend of historical fiction, fantasy, and romance, The King's Daughter promises to be a captivating cinematic experience. Engagingly exploring the interplay between science and mythology, it invites audiences on a journey of self-discovery and poses timeless questions about the nature of life, love, and our place in the world.

The King's Daughter is a 2022 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 31.