Queen Margot

In late 16th century Paris, the royal court stands on the brink of war as religious divisions flare across the city. To stitch together a fragile peace between Catholics and Protestants, Marguerite de Valois, sister to a young and wavering king, is wed to Henry of Navarre, the Protestant leader who will become king. The ceremony is meant to knit together rival factions and stave off bloodshed, yet the union drags the queenly bride into a perilous web of court intrigue, shifting loyalties, and political maneuvering. Across a city alive with schemes, love and ambition collide with power, shaping a dramatic landscape that dominates the era without rushing toward a simple resolution.

Released in 1994, Queen Margot was directed by Patrice Chéreau and draws on Alexandre Dumas' La Reine Margot with a screenplay by Danièle Thompson.

With its lavish production design and performances led by Isabelle Adjani and Daniel Auteuil, the film helped elevate French period drama on the international stage. Its unflinching look at a turbulent court sparked discussion about power, gender and religious upheaval in classic cinema.

Critics praised the tense atmosphere, moral complexity and the chemistry between Margot and Navarre. The film explores themes of loyalty versus duty, the cost of romance in politics, and how an uneasy compromise can set the stage for future conflict.