The film "Firebrand" focuses on Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. Aïnouz, who has no connection to England, stated that "the aim of his film (Firebrand) is to highlight the suffering of Catherine Parr." Aïnouz mentioned to Reuters before the film's premiere at the Cannes Film Festival that "the main reason is Catherine Parr, about whom nothing significant has been presented."
He added, "I was very excited about the idea of shining a light on her and placing her in the same historical context that has always been occupied by Henry and his late wives." The film, which is competing for the Palme d'Or, stars Alicia Vikander in the role of Catherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry, as she navigates the politics of the royal court in the late years of the king's life.
Actor Jude Law, who plays King Henry VIII, said: "The king was suffering from intense pain due to his struggles with gout, swollen feet, and a festering wound."
The film is based on the 2013 novel "The Queen’s Gambit" by English author Elizabeth Fremantle. This marks the first time a film by Aïnouz competes for the top prize at Cannes, and it is also his first film directed in English.
