The 2008 Tudor period drama The Other Boleyn Girl, based on Philippa Gregory's best-selling novel, is now available on Netflix. The film stars Natalie Portman as Anne Boleyn and Scarlett Johansson as her sister Mary, with Eric Bana portraying King Henry VIII.
Plot Overview
The story follows the Boleyn sisters as they become entangled with the king. Mary Boleyn becomes his mistress after tending to his wounds and secretly becomes pregnant with his child. Meanwhile, Anne, eyeing the throne, plots to have Henry divorce Queen Catherine so she can secure an heir. The narrative explores heartbreak, childbirth, infidelity, power struggles, and societal complexities of the 16th century.
Cast and Reception
The cast also includes Jim Sturgess as George Boleyn, Mark Rylance as Thomas Boleyn, Benedict Cumberbatch as William Carey, and Eddie Redmayne as William Stafford. The film earned over $78 million at the box office against a $35 million production budget. Reviews praise the acting, particularly by Portman and Johansson, as well as the cinematography, costume design, and realistic tone. One fan wrote: "Acting, especially by Portman and Johansson, is of the first order, without any elements of melodrama. Color photography and the framing are superb. Every scene looks like it originated in an oil painting from a few centuries ago. Totally enjoyable!" Another review stated: "I am very happy that the movie shows us the steps and choices that are necessary in the life of a great person. I like the movie." A critic praised the technical elements: "The props and costume design is great and really capture the time period it is set up in." Lastly, another expressed: "An anti-Romantic historical film. I find it relieving to see this type of interpretation of historical events. I tend to find them more believable and immersive. These people had some serious social-psychological problems."
Where to Watch
The Other Boleyn Girl is available to stream on Netflix, as well as on Amazon Prime, Sky, and Apple TV.
