Common Sense Media Review
By Kat Halstead
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Tense historical drama has sex, violence, injury detail.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 15+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Firebrand
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In FIREBRAND, King Henry VIII's (Jude Law) sixth wife, Katherine Parr (Alicia Vikander), is named regent while her husband goes to war abroad. On his return, she must balance the strength of her convictions with her will to survive as those around her plot to raise suspicions of her loyalty to her husband, the throne, and the religious status quo.
Is It Any Good?
Elaborate sets and artistic cinematography render Tudor England in regal splendor, yet offer shadowy revelations in the palace's dark corners in this tense historical drama. Vikander's Katherine shows an astute intelligence and measured inner strength in Firebrand that appeals, but is sometimes overshadowed by the enormity of Law's Henry -- both in personality and stature. His tendency to steal scenes here often forces her into the role of patient spouse just trying to keep her head, which no doubt goes against what director Karim Aïnouz is trying to achieve with what is otherwise a feminist revision of events. While Katherine makes for an interesting character, reliably overlooked in the history books, the movie never quite offers a full picture of her. She's someone who may have been better explored in a TV mini-series than a two-hour movie, which would also make sense in the setting up of stepdaughter Elizabeth as future monarch in a spin-off. It's an interesting story, well acted and produced, though traditionally crafted in a way that does little to stand out from the slew of other historical dramas out there.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Firebrand. What did it have to say about this period of history? Do some types of media violence have different impact than others?
How were sex and relationships portrayed? Affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.
The film centered a woman often overlooked in history. Did you think it offered a feminist stance? Why is it important to revisit eras with an awareness that history has often neglected to tell women's stories or give them credit for their influence?
How much did you know about Katherine Parr before watching the film? Were you aware of King Henry VIII's history? Has it made you want to research further into Katherine Parr, Henry's other wives, or the era more widely?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 14, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : July 2, 2024
- Cast : Alicia Vikander , Jude Law , Eddie Marsan
- Director : Karim Aïnouz
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Female Movie Writer(s)
- Studios : Roadside Attractions , Vertical Entertainment
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Run time : 120 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some violent content, brief gore and sexuality/nudity
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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