Farewell, My Queen

Farewell, My Queen

Year: 2012

Runtime: 100 min

Language: French

Director: Benoît Jacquot

DramaHistory

During the French Revolution, a lady-in-waiting to Marie Antoinette finds herself entangled in the dangerous world of royal court politics. She attempts to gain favor with the queen while concealing her own hidden passions. As the monarchy faces imminent collapse, the film offers a glimpse into both the lavish lives of the elite and the struggles of those who serve them, revealing universal emotions amidst a time of great upheaval.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Farewell, My Queen yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Farewell, My Queen (2012) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Farewell, My Queen (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

In the year 1789, just before the French Revolution, the luxurious routines of the court at the Palace of Versailles continue, seemingly untouched by the growing chaos nearby in Paris, which lies a mere twenty miles away. This world is vividly portrayed through the perspective of Sidonie Laborde, who is devotedly serving Queen Marie Antoinette.

As news of the dramatic storming of the Bastille reaches the palace, a wave of panic sweeps through the aristocrats and servants, leading many to abandon the Royal Family out of fear for their own safety as the government appears to be crumbling. However, Sidonie, a staunch royalist, resolutely chooses to stay, convinced of her safety under the monarchy’s protection. Little does she realize that these are the final three days she will spend by the Queen’s side.

In a dramatic twist, the Queen commands Sidonie to assume the identity of Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polastron, the Duchess of Polignac, transforming her into a decoy to facilitate the Duchess’s escape to Switzerland. Despite receiving alarming warnings from one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting, Sidonie complies with the Queen’s wishes. The process is quite invasive, as she is first stripped of her clothing and then redressed in an elegant green gown.

The journey takes a complicated turn when the coach carrying Sidonie is also occupied by the actual Duchess and her husband, who are disguised as her servants. Throughout the trip, they regard her with scorn, yet Sidonie manages to convincingly play her part. This ruse ultimately allows the group to cross the border safely. As the film reaches its poignant conclusion, Sidonie reflects on her transient position, noting that her sole connection to power is her role as the Queen’s reader, lamenting that soon, she will be just another nameless face in the crowd.

Last Updated: November 08, 2024 at 03:16

Unlock the Full Story of Farewell, My Queen

Don't stop at just watching — explore Farewell, My Queen in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Farewell, My Queen is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Farewell, My Queen Timeline

Track the full timeline of Farewell, My Queen with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Farewell, My Queen Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Farewell, My Queen

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Farewell, My Queen. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Farewell, My Queen

More About Farewell, My Queen

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Farewell, My Queen: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Farewell, My Queen

Similar Movies to Farewell, My Queen

Discover movies like Farewell, My Queen that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.