Cast: Devrim Lingnau, Philip Froissant, Melika Foroutan, Jördis Triebel, Johannes Nussbaum, Elisa Schlott
Created by: Katharina Eyssen Lena Stahl
Genre: Period drama, romance
Duration: Six episodes, 1 hour
Screening on Netflix
Netflix has us watching content in different languages and I am here for it. If catching flights has refused, we shall travel via television. Which brings us to The Empress or Die Kaiserin in German. The plot is pretty straightforward.
A young duchess, Elisabeth, aka Sisi (Lingnau) and an emperor, Franz Joseph (Froissant) fall in deep like over their disdain for what is expected of them. Problem is that Franz was expected to propose to Sisi’s sister, Helene (Schlott) while Sisi was lined up for some other guy. The title of the series should tell you that the two get married, making Sisi the new empress of Austria. That is when the drama begins. Not everyone warms up to the union. Top on the list is Sophia (Foroutan), Franz’s mother. Then there is his brother, Maxi (Nussbaum) who is an enigma that keeps us on our feet all season.
The show has a slow start, especially because it makes no effort to catch us up on the historical events of the series. Had to pause and Google to discover the real life of Elisabeth. Fascinating stuff. Lingnau does a good job portraying her. Her discomfort with what is expected of her is palpable. It is not hard to believe. The chemistry between her and Froissant is more of a build up, which is good I guess. Gives us room for another season. If you are a period drama buff of the romantic variety, you will enjoy The Empress.
–Grace Kenganzi
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