Firebrand: Fact, Fiction, and Everything in Between

Dive into the drama, controversy, and historical twists of Firebrand, the much-anticipated film starring Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Catherine Parr. Based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s The Queen’s Gambit, this gripping retelling reimagines Catherine Parr’s life in bold and unexpected ways. But how much of it is rooted in truth? 🤔

Join me as I separate fact from fiction, break down the storyline, and explore the film’s departures from history—and from Fremantle’s novel. Was Catherine Parr really the "firebrand" the movie portrays? And just how far does the creative license go? 🚨 Spoilers ahead!

🎬 Available now on Amazon Prime—watch the movie, then come back for the real story behind the screen.

#Firebrand #CatherineParr #HenryVIII #TudorHistory #MovieReview #FactVsFiction

[joiedevivre]

The Catherine Parr of historical record always struck me as more of a diplomat than a "firebrand".

[jeandonaldson]

The costumes were breathtaking. The fast and loose with super-well-known historical facts had me rolling my eyes.

[NotoriousPND]

I went into it knowing there would likely be little historical accuracy. Much to my surprise, I found myself grinning ear to ear when she unalived him- he got the ending he deserved!

[sarapanzarella]

LOL - almost Christmas time to watch it! I thought the acting was so on point - Jude Law and Alicia Vikander just brought that tension onto the screen that is so palpable. LOVED the costumes. HATED the ending. But overall loved it - but unless I know a person that loves this time in history I don't know if it would hold their interest?

[k.h.]

One thing that bothers me across the whole historical fiction genre with regards to Henry viii, is when people think they should either say or show that he has raped one or more of his wives. I get the man was really messed up, but there has been no evidence showing that he raped his wive(s) causing a miscarriage. I think it is a disgusting thing to portray across the movie screen or in books. Fictional or not, it shouldn't be exploited for entertainment, when some women have had those types of experiences throughout the world. I just wish that any of these "creators" would use more tact and sensitivity with accuracy to history then to show such appalling acts of abuse just to make someone look either more powerful, dominant, or disgusting. There are definitely other things Henry viii did that made him a momster, but why certain people have to choose "rape" makes me sick and upset. I honestly end up avoiding all historical fiction, because of the crude nature of the writing or films. It tends to ruin the enjoyment of learning about history for me, rather than make me want to know more due to added subject matter. That is just how I feel about it, and others may disagree with me, but I would rather stick to reality and the facts of truth with history than twist it.

[dianank]

Right at the beginning it says it is a 'psychological horror story', and that's what it felt like for me. This film is so different from all other Tudor-inspired films I've seen. Hard to watch if you've been through a toxic relationship yourself. I remember thinking "when will Catherine feel like she's had enough?". But what can she do being married to a king? And all of those of birds on screen kept me thinking of Catherine's struggle for freedom.

[susanmarie]

I would love a movie about the Tudors that was true to the historical narrative as I find them absolutely fascinating. However, I don't think the general public would be so enthused. Perhaps that is why the movies change so much in order to draw more viewers. Claire, you have helped me rethink watching "Firebrand" and I thank you. It's on the docket for the weekend.

[kerryclarke]

Great review. Visually I enjoyed the firm and thought Jude Law was fantastic and brought real menace to his portrayal. Enjoyed most of the film but also hated the ending.

[Sabrinajaine]

I enjoyed the film overall although the historical inaccuracies were a bit frustrating. Although I have to say the ending was quite satisfying, even though it never happened 😂

[cameliap]

I absolutely loved the movie and the acting was phenomenal, costumes, setting…I wasn’t expecting a documentary!

[mcmd]

Wonderful video! I hate it when movies aren't true to a book I loved. I've had my eye on The Queen's Gambit, it sounds good.

[stellaobonna]

Loved the movie and I am absolutely enthralled by your review! Now I have to read the book!!!!

[emptyvoices]

Catherine Parrk not only inspired Elizabeth I but she also inspired the Lady Jane Grey who served as her lady and was her chief mourner during Catherine's funeral. I would have liked to have seen Jane Grey added. Ann Askew preached to Catherine and her ladies, which is likely how Catherine knew of her. She and her ladies often invited those that were both reformers and those that were essentially Catholic to preach equally. It was remarkable for a woman to be publishing anything at the time notably the Lamentation of a Sinner and prayers and meditations. One was anonymous and the other published under her own name. I suppose I could go on about what I think is relevant in the film but I thought Catherine was a suave communicator. She avoided the arrest warrant by telling him that debating religious philosophies was her way of distracting the king from the wounds on his legs but meant no other harm than that, which Henry VIII accepted however, he had the arrest warrant served likely only to scare her to remind her how close she came to being arrested for heresy and to send a message to Gardiner and his followers. Henry VIII was famous for turning on those he previously praised. Thomas Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas Howard, Ann Boleyn, Katherine Howard, etc. Once he discarded a person, they were essentially condemned.

[tudorqueen]

I loved it. Jude Law was terrifying! But the accuracy isn’t there at the end. I’m sure she thought about doing that once or twice, though. I honestly think being married to Henry was like a psychological horror film.

[nancyfleming]

How could they change Henry's death like that? I'm so glad you warned me.

[imonherenow]

I enjoyed the movie. I loved the costumes and I really loved the portrayal of Katherine Parr’s relationship with Henry’s children. Alicia Vikander and Jude Law were both great. Jude Law playing Henry VIII at the time he was really tied down by those legs omg he was so good.

[gonefishing]

Thank you Claire, think I’d prefer the book to the movie. I’m my own worst enemy, my son had Stan on and I was one’s plan ( nice eh?). I was sooo looking forward to The Spanish Princess, oh my, heavy disappointment there ( with me muttering along “ that’s not right). Then there was one about Mary Queen of Scots. Not to be endured if you have high blood pressure. Running around in castles in thin clothes( lots of flesh showing). Totally dissolute ladies in waiting and, boy, Mary spent a lot of time by herself. Enough stress for me, no more movies too far away from history - not good for my health. The book has been good enough for me. It was a very good book. 🙏🙏🙏👵🇦🇺

[gloriabonito]

As an historian, I was bothered by the movies fictional take. My concern is that those who do not know the real story may pass this movie on as fact. I did enjoy the book.

[heatherwaetzig]

Hi Claire, Thanks for sharing your review. I'm the opposite of you I loved Firebrand the movie but hated the book Queen's Gambit. I do agree that the relationship between Henry VIII and Catherine Parr was portrayed as being overlly abusive when it probably wasn't in real life. The writers took things too far by having him hit her, rape her, making her get pregnant, and then having her miscarry. Get arrested by Henry VIII etc. However, I think this movie did a great job with some things that Becoming Elizabeth didn't. The depiction of Catherine Parr and Princess Elizabeth was much better in this film. Both of them were portrayed as strong characters who love each other deeply. Same thing with Edward he is close to Catherine in this film and she is depicted as being a loving stepmother to all of her stepchildren. She is passionate about her Protestant faith, fights to share it and stands up to Henry on multiple occassions. Such as when she defends Anne Aschew. I only remember Catherine backing down when Henry threatened her which she did IRL. To me she came off as more admirable in the movie than in the book. Also, I loved that she gives Anne Aschew her necklace, and even though she is attracted to Thomas Seymour she seems to see through him and doesn't trust him completely. At the end after Henry has made Catherine regent and been murdered by her😅 the film seems to hint at the end that she did become regent for young Edward. As well as recounting the influence that she had over young Elizabeth. I loved that it felt like a good alternative ending. How sad that Catherine wasn't made regent for Edward in real life.

[nmritter]

If Henry was ANYTHING like the Henry JL portrayed, then it explains a lot because JL scared the crap out of me