Starring Mikkel Boe Følsgaard, Alicia Vikander & Mads Mikkelsen, Directed by Nikolaj Arcel

Keen to be a dutiful wife and Queen, Caroline’s hopes are dashed when she discovers the King Christian VII’s madness. Turning from him, she runs into the arms of his physician and embarks upon a passionate affair that brings the kingdom to the brink of revolution.

Written by the brilliant, Lars von Trier (Dancer in the Dark, Melancholia) this film is sexy, lavish and beautifully acted and shot… everything you’d want from a factual(ish), but fiction-like story which, amazingly, hasn’t been filmed before. Arcel’s film succeeds by eking out characterisation over historical detail, establishing the central trio as fully red-blooded, complex individuals. Each is driven by their passions and, at times, understandable irrationality.

Verdict: Miss this little puppy at your peril, me dears! *****