1877. On the cusp of turning 40, the Austrian monarchy’s uptight world is the last thing Empress Sisi cares about. Decadence is far more exciting—so she heads off on a trip across Europe. But as her strings to royal duty tighten, her attempts to make life more exciting turn into acts of rebellion.

When it comes to playing women who refuse to abide by societal rules, Vicky Krieps reigns supreme. Here she is the latest actor to wear the crown of infamous Empress Sisi, whose restless rebellion pushes against architectures of muted opulence and moves from mischievousness to mad self-destruction.