The Girl King ** (2015, Malin Buska, Sarah Gadon, Michael Nyqvist) – Movie Review

Malin Buska, Sarah Gadon, and Michael Nyqvist all give good performances as Queen Kristina of Sweden, her lover the Countess Ebba Sparre and her stalwart Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna.

Director Mika Kaurismäki’s 2015 movie retells the same story and same plot as in the famous classic Greta Garbo version, Queen Christina (1933), except that instead of falling in love with a male Spanish envoy, Kristina falls for her female lady in waiting. It has the same result though – the popular monarch who is loyal to her country must choose between the throne and the person she loves.

This lesbian version of the story plays fair by its appealing love story and gives honour to the modern, progressive ideas of a pioneering monarch. Alas, though, there is some shaky dialogue and there are some unconvincing performances in support, undermining the drama and making it feel unreal and contrived.

The movie looks great though, really handsome and royal, and the film it could have been shines through every now and again. It is worthwhile for the three main stars, the story and the grand production.

© Derek Winnert 2016 Movie Review
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