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Firebrand

Firebrand

Henry VIII had six wives. One survived.

2023121 minRMidcredits score: 51st percentile of all films
Director
Karim Aïnouz
Starring
Alicia Vikander, Jude Law, Eddie Marsan, Sam Riley

Katherine Parr, the sixth wife of King Henry VIII, is named regent while the tyrant battles abroad. When the king returns, increasingly ill and paranoid, Katherine finds herself fighting for her own survival.

Where to watch

Where can I watch Firebrand?

As of October 24, 2026, MovieCove lists Firebrand to rent or buy on Prime Video, and on no subscription service.

Your rating, lists and review

Highlights

What stands out about Firebrand?

Firebrand earns 6 badges, led by Standout acting and Award Winner.

  • Reception
  • Craft and mood
  • Awards and box office
  • Content

Reception

Is Firebrand worth watching?

Firebrand's Midcredits score is the 51st percentile of all films, from 32K ratings across 6 sources. 48% liked it (rated it 7 or higher out of 10).

Midcredits score

How well it was received

51st percentile

Better received than 51% of films

49th percentile among Drama52nd percentile among 2020s
Acclaim (how much people like it)52nd
Approval (how many liked it)49th

62 /100

52nd percentile of all films

52nd percentile among Drama54th percentile among 2020s

Critics 54 · Audience 63

Audiences liked it more than critics did.

Rating distribution

A broad spread centered near 6.3 — solid but not unanimous.

48% liked it

49th percentile of all films

47th percentile among Drama51st percentile among 2020s
48% rated it 7–1052% rated it 1–6

Critics 58% · Audience 67%

On Rotten Tomatoes, a bigger share of audiences approved than critics.

Awards

0 Oscars won · 0 Oscar noms · 1 wins / 1 noms overall

Reach

How many have seen it

86th percentile

32K ratings across platforms

88th percentile among Drama87th percentile among 2020s
TMDB popularity, last 155 days to Oct 26Down 18% in 30 days

Box office

Opening weekend$233K
Domestic gross$521K
Worldwide gross$4.5M

77th percentile earner in its genre.

What reviewers say

Common ground

A well-crafted Tudor period piece with standout performances, notable for its technical polish and its controversial, fictionalized final act.

Fans praised

  • Jude Law's layered, physically transformative performance as Henry VIII
  • strong period atmosphere and claustrophobic tension
  • exquisite costume and production design

Detractors panned

  • gratuitously fictional, historically inaccurate ending
  • slow pacing and tedious stretches
  • flat, pedestrian direction and lifeless camera work

What stands out

Acting82

Jude Law and Alicia Vikander praised as transformative and compelling

Atmosphere78

claustrophobic, fear-drenched court and dank interiors

TensionDivisive68

constant dread of Henry's unpredictability, though dissipates late

Cinematography65

beautiful countryside shots but flat handheld interiors

Characters45

Henry written as cartoonish villain, Catherine as opaque modern archetype

Pacing35

drawn-out runtime, sluggish midsection

Plot and story30

loses steam after strong start; factual liberties undermine coherence

Ending25

fictional twist divides—satisfying for some, ridiculous for many

Preferred by

Critics vs users

Preferred by Critics

Critics scored it 15 points higher than users.

No notable difference between the other groups: each pair ranks it within 10 percentile points.

  • Women vs men 3 points apart
  • US vs non-US 9 points apart

Watch experience

What is Firebrand like to watch?

Conclusions only — categories and positions, no plot detail.

Dark and unsettling: browse every movie of this kind

Watch this when you are ready for heavy feelings, and you want something dark that stays with you.

It is intense, takes its time and leaves you unsettled. Skip it when you want an easy night or you want things to move fast.

ToneFeelDemandwhat the answer rests onexact position · filled zone: the category

What it asks of you

Room for heavy feelings and patience.

What it feels like

Dark and unsettling.

The answer rests on this: Moods
DreadMelancholicTense
Heaviest: late
Register
Solemn: Grave and dignified; treats its subject with weight and respect.Brooding: Heavy, inward, weather-beaten.
Told as
Three-act: Setup, confrontation, resolution — the default Hollywood shape.
ToneThe film treats its historical material with grave seriousness, never undercutting the tension.
The rideThe synopsis builds a pervasive sense of dread and tension throughout, with the heaviest stretch late as Katherine fights for her life.
StructureThe story unfolds chronologically from Katherine's regency through Henry's return and the resulting crisis.

How it leaves you

what you carry away

Unsettled.

The answer rests on this: UnsettlingThought-provoking
Why it leaves you this wayThe film's depiction of Tudor court danger and moral compromise leaves the viewer uneasy and questioning power dynamics.
How it ends · evidence
Bittersweet ending

Story archetype

where it sits among all films
Monster — 21% of films. A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated.Rags — 3% of films. A rise from lowliness to fortune, status, or recognition.Quest — 10% of films. A journey toward a defined objective, with companions and obstacles.Voyage — 4% of films. Into a strange world and back again, changed.Comedy — 11% of films. Confusion and cross-purposes resolved into harmony.Tragedy — 9% of films. A flaw or fixation drives the protagonist to ruin.Rebirth — 13% of films. A stalled or darkened life reopened and renewed.Mystery — 7% of films. A question drives the story — who did it, what happened, what is real — until it is answered.No archetype — 22% of filmsPredator — 6% of films. A creature or killer hunts the protagonists (Jaws, Alien).Tyrant — 6% of films. A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).Invasion — 2% of films. An external force attacks the home or world (Independence Day).Oppressive state — 2% of films. A government, its agencies or a secret faction inside them is the monster (V for Vendetta).Corporate villainy — 1% of films. A company or its bosses are the monster (Erin Brockovich).Institutional injustice — 1% of films. A court, prison, police force, school or church is itself the enemy (Spotlight).Class system — under 1% of films. The gap between rich and poor, or a rigid hierarchy, is the monster (Parasite).Technology turns — under 1% of films. Technology people rely on becomes the threat (The Terminator).Inner demon — 1% of films. The monster is within — addiction, illness, a dark double.Underdog triumph — 2% of films. Rise through competition or contest (Rocky).Social ascent — under 1% of films. A climb in class or status (Pretty Woman).Fame and fortune — under 1% of films. An artistic or showbiz rise (A Star Is Born).Rise and fall — under 1% of films. Wealth or power gained, self lost (Scarface).Hidden worth revealed — under 1% of films. The protagonist's true value finally recognized.Treasure hunt — 1% of films. Retrieve an object of value (Raiders of the Lost Ark).Rescue — 4% of films. Retrieve or save a person (Saving Private Ryan).Mission — 5% of films. Accomplish or destroy a defined objective (Mission: Impossible).Journey home — under 1% of films. The goal is getting back (Finding Nemo).Pilgrimage — 1% of films. The journey itself transforms; the destination is symbolic.Portal fantasy — under 1% of films. Transported into another world (The Wizard of Oz).Fish out of water — 2% of films. Displaced into an unfamiliar social world (Elf).Survival ordeal — 1% of films. Trapped in a hostile environment, fighting back (Cast Away).Time displacement — under 1% of films. Unstuck in time (Back to the Future).Descent — 1% of films. A night-journey into an underworld or subculture (After Hours).Romantic comedy — 4% of films. Lovers kept apart by confusion, united at last.Comedy of errors — 3% of films. Mistaken identity or misunderstanding drives the plot.Farce — 2% of films. Escalating absurd chaos and coincidence (The Hangover).Buddy comedy — 1% of films. A mismatched pair forced together (Rush Hour).Comedy of manners — 1% of films. Social codes and class satirized (Clueless).Hubris — 1% of films. Pride or ambition invites the fall (There Will Be Blood).Obsession — 2% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Corruption arc — 2% of films. Step-by-step moral decay (The Godfather).Doomed love — 2% of films. Love destroyed by circumstance (Brokeback Mountain).Crushed by fate — 3% of films. Destroyed by forces beyond the protagonist's control.Redemption — 3% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Healing — 5% of films. Recovery from grief or trauma (Good Will Hunting).Liberation — 2% of films. Breaking free of a confining life (Room).Second chance — 2% of films. A stagnant life re-opened to love or purpose (Groundhog Day).Puzzle — 1% of films. A clue-by-clue puzzle you can try to solve before the reveal (Knives Out, Clue).Investigation — 5% of films. A long pursuit of the truth that may never be fully solved (Zodiac, Memories of Murder).Enigma — 2% of films. The mystery is what is real, or what is actually happening (Mulholland Drive).MonsterTyrant
Every story archetype, clockwise from the top
  • Monster 21% (this title): Predator 6% · Tyrant 6% (this title) · Invasion 2% · Oppressive state 2% · Corporate villainy 1% · Institutional injustice 1% · Class system under 1% · Technology turns under 1% · Inner demon 1%
  • Rags 3%: Underdog triumph 2% · Social ascent under 1% · Fame and fortune under 1% · Rise and fall under 1% · Hidden worth revealed under 1%
  • Quest 10%: Treasure hunt 1% · Rescue 4% · Mission 5% · Journey home under 1% · Pilgrimage 1%
  • Voyage 4%: Portal fantasy under 1% · Fish out of water 2% · Survival ordeal 1% · Time displacement under 1% · Descent 1%
  • Comedy 11%: Romantic comedy 4% · Comedy of errors 3% · Farce 2% · Buddy comedy 1% · Comedy of manners 1%
  • Tragedy 9%: Hubris 1% · Obsession 2% · Corruption arc 2% · Doomed love 2% · Crushed by fate 3%
  • Rebirth 13%: Redemption 3% · Healing 5% · Liberation 2% · Second chance 2%
  • Mystery 7%: Puzzle 1% · Investigation 5% · Enigma 2%
  • No archetype 22%

Overcoming the monster: A threat menaces the hero's world and must be defeated. · Tyrant: A human villain holds power over the hero's world (Die Hard).

21% of films fit this archetype

Why this archetypeThe film follows Katherine Parr's struggle to survive the tyranny of King Henry VIII, fitting the overcoming_the_monster archetype with Henry as the tyrant.

What it's about

7 groups · 53 themes
Bonds — 27% of filmsSelf — 22% of filmsPower — 7% of filmsMorality — 16% of filmsSurvival — 15% of filmsSociety — 9% of filmsIdeas — 5% of filmsRomantic love — 15% of filmsMarriage — 2% of filmsFamily bonds — 21% of filmsParenthood — 2% of filmsFriendship — 9% of filmsLoyalty — 4% of filmsIdentity — 14% of filmsComing of age — 5% of filmsAging — under 1% of filmsSelf-worth — 7% of filmsAmbition — 7% of filmsPurpose — 9% of filmsMemory — 3% of filmsObsession — 3% of films. A fixation consumes the protagonist (Black Swan).Power — 2% of filmsCorruption — 3% of filmsGreed — 3% of filmsClass — 3% of filmsOppression — 4% of filmsFreedom — 5% of filmsJustice — 13% of filmsDuty — 2% of filmsRevenge — 4% of filmsGuilt — 3% of filmsRedemption — 6% of films. Moral reawakening of a hardened soul (A Christmas Carol).Forgiveness — 1% of filmsSacrifice — 4% of filmsBetrayal — 5% of filmsDeception — 9% of filmsSurvival — 17% of filmsWar — 1% of filmsViolence — 4% of filmsMortality — 2% of filmsGrief — 6% of filmsTrauma — 7% of filmsMental illness — 1% of filmsAddiction — 1% of filmsIllness and disability — under 1% of filmsCommunity — 14% of films. Consequences reach a town, institution or group.Isolation — 5% of filmsPrejudice — 3% of filmsDisplacement — 1% of filmsFaith — 3% of filmsTradition vs change — 2% of filmsFame — 3% of filmsLegacy — 4% of filmsFate — 1% of filmsFree will — under 1% of filmsTruth — 4% of filmsHope — 5% of filmsNature — 2% of filmsArt — 4% of filmsTechnology — 1% of filmsSelfSurvival
Every theme, clockwise from the top
  • Bonds 27%: Romantic love 15% · Marriage 2% · Family bonds 21% · Parenthood 2% · Friendship 9% · Loyalty 4%
  • Self 22%: Identity 14% · Coming of age 5% · Aging under 1% · Self-worth 7% · Ambition 7% · Purpose 9% · Memory 3% · Obsession 3%
  • Power 7%: Power 2% · Corruption 3% · Greed 3% · Class 3% · Oppression 4% · Freedom 5% (this title)
  • Morality 16%: Justice 13% · Duty 2% · Revenge 4% · Guilt 3% · Redemption 6% · Forgiveness 1% · Sacrifice 4% · Betrayal 5% · Deception 9%
  • Survival 15% (this title): Survival 17% (this title) · War 1% · Violence 4% · Mortality 2% · Grief 6% · Trauma 7% · Mental illness 1% · Addiction 1% · Illness and disability under 1%
  • Society 9%: Community 14% · Isolation 5% · Prejudice 3% · Displacement 1% · Faith 3% (this title) · Tradition vs change 2% · Fame 3% · Legacy 4%
  • Ideas 5%: Fate 1% · Free will under 1% · Truth 4% · Hope 5% · Nature 2% · Art 4% · Technology 1%

Survival

SurvivalFaith · 3% of filmsFreedom · 5% of films
Warns its theme: Presents its theme as a danger or a coming cost.Societal stakes: Consequences reach a whole social order.Single lead
How it treats its themeThe film centers on Katherine Parr's fight for physical survival under a tyrant, while her Protestant faith and hope for a freer future drive her actions.
StanceThe film warns about the dangers of tyranny and religious persecution, with societal stakes for England's future, and centers on Katherine's perspective.

The world

Early modernInstitutionalRealistic
Orchestral modernSupportive music · original score · Dickon Hinchliffe
SettingTudor court of King Henry VIII
MusicPeriod-appropriate orchestral score to heighten tension.

Content guide

Is Firebrand okay for kids?

R

Firebrand is rated R: “Rated R for some violent content, brief gore and sexuality/nudity” (MPAA). As of August 19, 2026, Midcredits content scores put its violence at moderate (53/100), sexual content at moderate (47/100), language at moderate (42/100), drug and alcohol content at mild (33/100) and frightening material at moderate (47/100). Overall it is heavier than 10% of R-rated films.

Ratings in 9 other countries
  • UK15
  • AustraliaM
  • France16
  • JapanR15+
  • Brazil14
  • LTN-16
  • Netherlands16
  • Spain12
  • Sweden15
Overall
Moderate · all five categories
Heavier than 36% of all filmsHeavier than 10% of R-rated films
Violence & Gore
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 29%
Sex & Nudity
Moderate · audience split: No severity level holds a majority of voters
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 48%
Profanity
Moderate
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 15%
Alcohol & Drugs
Mild
light for an R-rated film
heavier than 25%
Frightening / Intense
Moderate
typical for an R-rated film
heavier than 30%

Point along a line to see a well-known title at that level.

Nothing here is extreme. The strongest element is violence, heavier than 29% of R-rated films.

Source: Midcredits content scores, 0 (none) to 100 (severe) per category, with each standing ranked against other films that have them.

What content warnings does Firebrand have?

MovieCove's classifier found 4 depicted content warnings in Firebrand: Domestic violence (moderate), Sexual violence (moderate), plus 2 withheld here because they would spoil the plot. Each is backed by a verbatim quote from the parents' guide notes; a missing warning is not a guarantee of absence.

ModerateDomestic violenceSexual violence

Cast and crew

Who is in Firebrand?

Cast

3 of the cast already had the standing of a top-10% working actor.

Alicia Vikander
as Katherine Parr
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Jude Law
as Henry VIII
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Eddie Marsan
as Edward Seymour
Established: A standing when this film came out that a top-10% working actor has today.Top draw: One of the 3 biggest draws in this cast: billing here weighted by career star power.
Sam Riley
as Thomas Seymour
Simon Russell Beale
as Bishop Stephen Gardiner
Erin Doherty
as Anne Askew
First film: No prior film role; they had worked in television.
Ruby Bentall
as Cat
Bryony Hannah
as Ellen
Newcomer: A standing when this film came out that sits in the bottom quarter of working actors today.
Amr Waked
as Dr. Mulay Al Farabi
Patsy Ferran
as Princess Mary

Crew

More like this

What are movies like Firebrand?

Movies like Firebrand include The Killing Room (2009), The Golem (2018) and Luther (2003). Of the 12 closest matches, most are captor-and-captive stories, and several are films about royalty and aristocracy.

Balanced: every group counts the same, and production only breaks ties.

7 of these 12 share its feel: brooding. Those cards say what else they share.

Explore by

What else shares a premise, people or place with Firebrand?

753 other films share the rarest tag below, follows: royalty. Each tag opens Browse with the films that share it.