The Girl King

The Girl King is a 2015 biographical drama film that tells the mesmerizing, complex story of one of the most compelling, enigmatic and controversial women in history, Kristina, Queen of Sweden. Directed by acclaimed Finnish filmmaker Mika Kaurismäki, the film is set against the backdrop of the 17th century Swedish court and explores the challenging journey of Queen Kristina as she ascends to the throne at a young age and the turbulent events and intrigues that follow. The film stars Malin Buska, in a riveting performance as Kristina, along with strong supporting performances from Sarah Gadon and Michael Nyqvist.

The film carefully depicts the life of Kristina beginning from her ascension to the throne at a tender age of six following the death of her father, King Gustavus Adolphus during the 30 years' war. Being the only legitimate heir, she was declared queen under the regency of her mother and the chancellor, Alex Oxenstierna, portrayed by the Swedish actor Michael Nyqvist. Yet, Queen Kristina is no ordinary queen. Brilliant and philosophically inclined, she longs to make her independent mark and break free from the rigid societal norms of the era.

Her thirst for enlightenment draws her towards differing ideologies, art and education. She aspires to transform Sweden into the modern intellectual center of Europe. Her infatuation with learning leads her to invite leading European philosophers, like René Descartes, to her court, and her support for the sciences and arts is a major storyline of the film.

Kristina's chancellor, the stiff and traditional Oxenstierna, resists her ambitious ideas seeing them as threats to the status quo. Yet, Queen Kristina, striving to end the 30 Years' War and retain her sovereignty, grapples with the pressures of gender expectations, religious tension, and political intrigue to enact her vision.

Parallel to the political narratives, the film also explores the personal life of the Queen, especially her close relationship with her lady-in-waiting, Countess Ebba Sparre, played by Sarah Gadon. The relationship is depicted in a poignant manner, revealing both its emotional intensity and complexity. This is another area where the movie intersects with historical controversy – Kristina's decision to remain unmarried and her purported relationships with women have been a topic of debate among historians.

The Girl King paints a sophisticated picture of a queen balancing pressure and politics along with her personal life. It offers viewers a chance to view the trials and tribulations of a woman who was many years ahead of her time.

Malin Buska gives a compelling performance, embodying Kristina’s fierce determination, tenacity, wit, and vulnerability with complete conviction. Michael Nyqvist delivers a strong performance as Chancellor Oxenstierna, playing the defender of tradition and religion with a deep sense of earnestness. Sarah Gadon, meanwhile, infuses her character with a quiet strength while portraying the evolving relationship dynamics between the Countess and the Queen.

Elements of the film like the sumptuous costume design, the well-researched sets, and the adept direction make the period feel alive, and the audience feels as if they have been transported to 17th century Sweden. The film's unique tone and subject matter stand as a testament to Mika Kaurismäki's mature and nuanced directorial style. The Girl King does not shy away from the complexities and nuances of Kristina's reign or her life, rendering them in a thoughtful, often introspective manner.

In summary, The Girl King captures the epic story of a woman who defied convention, upheld her beliefs and navigated her way through an extremely masculine world. It explores the tension between power and the human heart – between expectations of monarchy and the desires of one young woman. The film serves as an excellent gateway into learning about the life and legacy of Queen Kristina, ensuring the audience is engaged, curious, and left thoughtful by the end of the film's runtime. This makes The Girl King not just a visual treat, but an intellectual exploration into a fascinating figure from the annals of world history.