Story Behind Netflix's The Empress
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Loading... - Blair Hall
- 25 Jul 2024
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The six-part Netflix series, "The Empress," delves into the early life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, offering a poetic and dramatic retelling of her story. Prior to its release, the most notable portrayal of Elisabeth's life was the 1950s "Sissi" trilogy, starring the charming Romy Schneider. Seven decades later, "The Empress" provides a fresh take on the compelling love story between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph, showcasing their strong and dramatic relationship from the very beginning.
Plot Overview
"The Empress" centers on the fateful encounter between young Bavarian Duchess Elisabeth (played by Devrim Lingnau) and Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I (played by Philip Froissant). As with many period dramas, the series blends historical facts with fictional elements, prioritizing an engaging love story over strict historical accuracy. The real Elisabeth faced numerous challenges at the Viennese Court, ultimately becoming a legendary Empress admired worldwide even 150 years later.
Historical Context
Elisabeth, known as Sissi (or Sisi), was the third child and second daughter of Duke Maximilian Joseph of Bavaria and Ludovika, Duchess of Bavaria. Raised in the secluded Possenhofen Castle, Elisabeth was a charming, freedom-loving girl who dreamed of true love and happiness. Meanwhile, at the Viennese Court, Franz Joseph's authoritarian mother, Archduchess Sophie (played by Melika Foroutan), sought a prominent alliance for her son, partially spurred by a recent assassination attempt on him.
Initially, the royal Bavarian House of Wittelsbach was not Sophie's first choice. Franz Joseph rejected Princess Anna of Prussia and Princess Sidonie of Saxony. Desperate, Sophie reached out to her sister, Ludovika, arranging an engagement between Franz Joseph and Ludovika’s eldest daughter, Helene (played by Elisa Schlott). However, when Franz Joseph met Ludovika’s youngest daughter, the 15-year-old Elisabeth, he instantly fell in love with her.
The first season ends dramatically, with Elisabeth deciding to leave for Bavaria after a tense conversation with her husband and mother-in-law. Just as she is about to leave, she discovers she is pregnant. The Archduchess had given her the option to stay married and conform or have the marriage annulled. The pregnancy could potentially change the dynamics between Elisabeth and Franz Joseph in the next season.
Future Seasons and Further Exploration
With Season 2 in development, there is much more of Elisabeth's life to explore. Her relationship with her mother-in-law Sophie deteriorates further, with Sophie convinced that Elisabeth cannot provide proper upbringing for royal children. Historical accounts and fictional portrayals often depict Sophie as a controlling tyrant. However, the reality is more nuanced; Sophie was ambitious and prioritized royal duties, while Elisabeth, struggling with depression and a desire for independence, increasingly neglected her royal responsibilities.
"The Empress" promises to continue unraveling the complex and captivating story of Elisabeth, a figure who remains iconic and deeply intriguing.
