Watch Tulip Fever

Set in 17th century Amsterdam, Tulip Fever follows the story of a young woman named Sophia (Alicia Vikander) who is forcibly married to a wealthy merchant, Cornelis Sandvoort (Christoph Waltz). Despite being in a loveless marriage, Sophia tries to make the best of her situation, but soon finds herself falling for a young artist named Jan Van Loos (Dane DeHaan) who has been hired to paint a portrait of her husband.

As the two begin a passionate affair, they devise a plan to escape, but their plan becomes complicated when Sophia becomes pregnant. Meanwhile, Cornelis, desperate for a child of his own, turns to a maid named Maria (Holliday Grainger) to help him conceive. When the infamous tulip market begins to take off, the two couples find themselves caught up in a dangerous game of greed and betrayal as they try to secure their respective futures.

Tulip Fever is a period drama that captures the essence of 17th century Amsterdam, with its lush scenery, intricate costumes, and beautifully designed sets. The film also explores themes of love and loss, as the characters struggle to find their place in a society that dictates their every move. Alicia Vikander delivers a powerful performance as Sophia, imbuing her character with strength, grace, and vulnerabilities. Dane DeHaan is equally impressive as the passionate and romantic Jan Van Loos, while Jack O'Connell is captivating as the cunning merchant, William.

The plot of Tulip Fever is engaging and unpredictable, with unexpected twists and turns that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. The film is also elevated by an impressive supporting cast, including Judi Dench as the wise and wily abbess who helps Sophia navigate her predicament, and Zach Galifianakis as Jan's loyal friend and business partner.

Throughout the film, director Justin Chadwick employs a variety of visual techniques to enhance the emotional impact of the story. The use of Dutch angles and chiaroscuro lighting, for example, creates a sense of unease and tension that underscores the characters' precarious situations. Similarly, the use of close-ups and shallow focus helps to draw attention to the subtleties of the actors' performances, highlighting their emotions and motivations.

Overall, Tulip Fever is a beautifully crafted film that successfully captures the essence of a fascinating period in history. The performances are uniformly excellent, the story is engaging and compelling, and the visuals are stunning. While the film may not be for everyone, those who appreciate historical dramas and tales of forbidden love and passion are sure to find much to admire in this captivating film.

Tulip Fever is a 2016 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 47 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 38.