“Stop the presses! There’s a new monarch in town. Long live the king and his queen! Where, you ask? Well, in Versailles. What, you ask? Well, that’s the title of the new movie from Andrés Clariond (Hilda), which world premieres on Sunday in the main competition lineup of the 29th edition of the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF).”, — write: www.hollywoodreporter.com
So, what in the world are we talking about? “After losing his chance at the Mexican presidency, ambitious politician Chema retreats with his elegant wife Carmina to a countryside hacienda,” reads a synopsis for the film. “Exile soon turns into delusion: they crown themselves king and queen of a fabricated realm, household staff are recast as courtiers, halls transform into stages of decadent ceremony, and fantasies spill into cruel punishments and bizarre rituals.”
Absurdity and megalomania satire ensues. “Inspired by works like The Death of Stalin, The Favouriteand The Discreet Charm of the Bourgeoisie, Versailles reimagines the decadence of French aristocracy through the lens of modern Mexican politics,” the PÖFF website explains. “With irony, theatrical exaggeration, and striking visual symbolism, it explores how power corrupts, how perception shapes reality, and how civility crumbles under an unrestrained ego.”
In case you are wondering: no, this is not a documentary. Cuautli Jiménez and Maggie Civantos star in the movie from Pimienta Films (Rome), for which MMM Film Sales is handling world sales. The Tallinn festival promises “magnetic” performances by the leading actors.
Alfonso Herrera Salcedo is responsible for the cinematography, the production designers are Hania Robledo, and editing was handled by Alejandro Lozano, Julián Sarmiento, and Enrique Pérez.
THR can now unveil an exclusive clip from Versailles that gives a sneak peek at the ego trips in the dark fable, which seems well-suited for our times. Check out the clip below. But beware: don’t upset the monarchs!