Corsage

Corsage tracks Empress Elisabeth through a single year at the end of the 19th century in Vienna. On Christmas Eve 1877 she turns forty, and the public already treats her as though time has caught up with her beauty. She begins to push back against the image the court expects, choosing private moments and stubborn routines over dazzling appearances. The story paints a person who wears elegance like armor while quietly seeking independence from a life defined by ceremony. As Elisabeth balances court obligations with friendships, flirtations, and personal doubt, the pressure to stay perfect remains intense. The film avoids easy conclusions and instead observes the cost of living under a spotlight.

Directed by Marie Kreutzer, Corsage arrived in 2022 as a drama inspired by Empress Elisabeth's life rather than a strict biography, with Vicky Krieps delivering the central performance.

Corsage grossed about 3.09 million worldwide on a 7.58 million budget, reflecting a modest but steady reception and strong festival interest rather than a wide commercial breakout.

This portrayal of Elisabeth invites conversation about aging, public image, and female autonomy. Krieps's measured performance and Kreutzer's pared down visuals prompt viewers to consider how public life collides with private longing, with moments of quiet defiance leaving a lasting impression.

Critics have noted the film's stark approach to memory and constraint, emphasizing Elisabeth's inner conflict rather than a traditional biopic arc. Themes of costume, ritual, and resistance to a rigid role anchor a drama that looks at the costs of living under the gaze and choosing one's own terms.