Empress Elisabeth of Austria is idolised for her beauty and her tiny waist. But in 1877, ‘Sissi’ celebrates her 40th birthday and must fight to maintain her public image by lacing her corset tighter and tighter. While Elisabeth’s role has been reduced to purely performative, her hunger for knowledge and zest for life compels her to rebel against society's false image of herself.
Best known for her breakout performance in Phantom Thread, Vicky Krieps' comedic talents shine as she breathes life into the sharp-witted and daring Sissi, while revealing an inner sadness that speaks volumes to the unrealistic expectations forced upon her as a woman in the public eye. Reminiscent of Marie Antoinette, Marie Kreutzer's punk-period drama indulges in fun sparks of anachronist flare with modern dialogue and contemporary music by French singer Camille.
