Farewell, My Queen

In the year 1789, the luxurious routines of the court at the Palace of Versailles continue as if untouched by the turmoil brewing in Paris. The opulence of life in the palace stands in stark contrast to the unrest just twenty miles away, reflecting the disconnection of the aristocracy from the common people's suffering.

As news of the storming of the Bastille reaches Versailles, panic begins to infiltrate the palace. Aristocrats and servants alike are gripped by fear as they contemplate the safety of their positions within a crumbling government, leading many to contemplate abandoning the Royal Family.

In the midst of the chaos, Sidonie Laborde, devoted to Queen Marie Antoinette, chooses not to flee. Her staunch loyalty to the monarchy drives her to remain at the palace, underscoring her belief in the safety that the royal court provides, despite the growing danger outside.

In a desperate bid to protect the Duchess of Polignac, Queen Marie Antoinette orders Sidonie to take on the identity of Yolande Martine Gabrielle de Polignac. This pivotal moment transforms Sidonie into a decoy, ostensibly helping the Duchess escape the perilous situation in France.

As part of her new role, Sidonie undergoes an invasive transformation to become the Duchess. Stripped of her clothing and adorned in an elegant green gown, she grapples with the dramatic change required to maintain the ruse, which illustrates her commitment to the Queen.

The journey to Switzerland becomes more complex as Sidonie shares a coach with the real Duchess and her husband. Disguised as Sidonie’s servants, the couple looks down on her, but Sidonie remains steadfast in her role, balancing the expectations of the Queen and the disdain from her companions.

Despite the initial scorn from the Duchess and her spouse, Sidonie successfully plays her role during their travel. This clever ruse ultimately aids the group in crossing the border to Switzerland, highlighting Sidonie's resourcefulness and commitment to her Queen’s mission.

As the film approaches its conclusion, Sidonie reflects on her brief and tenuous connection to power. She considers her role as the Queen's reader, realizing that soon she might just be another nameless face in the crowd, emphasizing the fleeting nature of her position.

In the aftermath of the revolution, the consequences of the political upheaval become evident. The fall of the monarchy dramatically reshapes the landscape of France, leaving those who once served in the royal court to navigate a new world devoid of the previous certainties.

Leaving the palace and the life she knew behind, Sidonie grapples with her new identity. The transformation from a loyal servant of the Queen to a fugitive underscores the bitter irony of her situation, as she reflects on the cost of loyalty in a time of upheaval.

Sidonie's journey concludes with a poignant farewell to the life she once knew. As she navigates her new reality, she is left with memories of her time at court and a deep sense of loss, signaling the end of an era both personally and politically.