The Empress Review: Enjoyable for Period-Romance Fans!

The Empress Review: We’re deep into this trend of political period pieces so it’s not surprising that following the success of Bridgerton, Netflix has decided to fund yet another period romance. This time, centered on the life of legendary Elisabeth, Empress of the Austrian empire played by Devrim Lingnau. The young Emperor Franz Josef played by Philip Froissant was in the market for a wife and his mother the Archduchess Sophia (Melika Foroutan), selected Helene Caroline Therese (Elisa Schlott) of Bavaria, her niece through her younger sister.

Related: Best Dramas on Netflix You Shouldn’t Miss!
Also Check: Best Crime Movies on Netflix You Shouldn’t Miss!

According to the story, when Helene, her mother and her younger sister Elisabeth travelled to Austria in order for Franz to formally propose, he immediately fell in love (lust) with Elisabeth. He insisted he would marry her or he would not marry at all. And as we know, Emperors usually get what they want. The suggestion that his younger brother Maximilian (Johannes Nussbaum) was in love with her as well however, is purely a fantastical dramatisation created purely for entertainment purposes. Franz gets everything he wants.

An entire empire and the woman they both love. Being the second son in a noble family is always hard. The friendship/relationship between Elisabeth and Max provides a level of intrigue and entertainment that her relationship with Franz does not. The contrast between the two brothers is striking but it’s what makes their relationship so entertaining. Franz is the dutiful and responsible son while Max is hedonistic and ambitious. His ambition, both for his brother’s crown and his brother’s wife will most likely be his undoing.

One major theme the story focuses on is classism. We see this portrayed with the revolution brewing in Austria as Franz’s already shakey grip on the empire is further threatened by the prospect of war in Europe. Through Elisabeth’s maid and trusted confidant Leontine (Almila Bagriacik) who’s really a spy for the revolution, we get a look at how the common folk really feel about the nobility.

The real Elisabeth was known to be as vain as she was beautiful, a fashion icon and trendsetter really. The show changes this up, portraying Elisabeth as a worldly beauty, concerned with the issues of the common man. In truth, she was extremely self centered and probably had an eating disorder based on how extreme her beauty, fitness and dieting regiments were. Lingnau does a great job in the role of Elisabeth. She brings a curious and adventurous innocence to the character that fits with the narrative they attempt to craft for her.

Archduchess Sophia is an interesting character as well who may be hiding damning secrets. The real ruler of Austria, her domineering and exhausting nature is one Elisabeth will have to learn to navigate. She rules her sons much like she does the country, with an iron fist and yet we’re shown that both men are very much willing to circumvent her wishes in favour of Elizabeth’s at times. It’s almost as if the two women are fighting for control. No doubt, Sophia would’ve preferred a more obedient and dutiful wife for her eldest son, one that she could order about just as easily as she does Franz and Max. On this matter however, he was unwilling to bend.

The set design and prop pieces in this show are truly stunning. While the costuming is almost ethereal. It’s definitely a high quality production. It’s my understanding that this is a story that has been retold countless times in Germany as it’s a popular one. I’m glad that Netflix was able to bring a German made production of it to a wider audience even if it’s highly dramatised and extremely historically inaccurate. I’m sure many fans of period romance will enjoy it as I did. Watch ‘The Empress S1’ on Netflix here.

‘The Empress’ Rating – 3.25/5

Follow Jennifer (the Author) on Socials
Instagram – @islandgirlreview
Tiktok – @theislandreview