Tsarina Alexandra Feodorovna, the devoted wife of Tsar Nicholas II, joyfully gives birth to their fifth child, a son named Alexei. However, despite the urgent appeals from Grand Duke Nicholas and Count Sergei Witte, Tsar Nicholas stubbornly refuses to terminate the ongoing Russo-Japanese War or to consider the establishment of a constitutional monarchy, fearing that these actions would portray him as weak and jeopardize the stability of the Romanov dynasty. As the war drags on, public dissatisfaction rises, leading a multitude of workers to march to the Winter Palace, hoping to submit a petition for political representation. Tragically, soldiers open fire on the advancing crowd, resulting in the deaths of numerous individuals. This horrific incident ignites a revolution that compels Nicholas to establish the Duma.
During an extravagant gala, Alexandra encounters Grigori Rasputin, a self-styled holy man. As court doctors inform her that young Alexei suffers from hemophilia, Alexandra turns to Rasputin for spiritual support. Over the years, the intimate connection between the royal family and Rasputin, coupled with his controversial behavior, leads to widespread ridicule of the monarchy. Ultimately, Nicholas makes the difficult decision to dismiss Rasputin from court, despite Alexandra's fervent objections.
Celebrations for the Romanov Tercentenary unfold with grandeur, taking them on a lavish journey through Imperial Russia, yet the disenchantment of the impoverished populace lingers. Amidst the festivities, a shocking assassination of Russian Prime Minister Stolypin occurs. Nicholas responds with severe measures, executing the assassins and allowing law enforcement to instill fear among the peasants, while also closing the Duma.
A tragedy strikes at the Spała Hunting Lodge when Alexei experiences a bleeding episode so grave that it raises fears of his impending death. Alexandra appeals to Rasputin once more, who instructs her to ensure that the doctors leave Alexei undisturbed. Thanks to Rasputin's alleged intervention, Alexei recovers and is permitted back into the imperial fold.
In the wake of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's assassination, Nicholas orders the mobilization of the Imperial Russian Army on the border with Austria-Hungary during the July Crisis. Germany’s declaration of war occurs, surprising Nicholas, who had underestimated the situation due to his ties with the Kaiser. As the war progresses unfavorably for Russia on the Eastern Front, Alexandra convinces Nicholas to take command of the troops in person, leaving behind the weary Grand Duke Nicholas.
While Nicholas is away, Alexandra is nominally in charge, yet her series of questionable decisions lead the public to perceive her as a German agent influenced by Rasputin, further straining her popularity amid deteriorating conditions. Nicholas receives a visit from the Dowager Empress, but he remains indifferent to her pleas for him to return to St. Petersburg and eliminate Rasputin from their lives. The assassination of Rasputin brings no relief, as Alexandra's rule spirals out of control, eventually inciting revolts from workers and soldiers in St. Petersburg. In a desperate attempt to return to Tsarskoye Selo, Nicholas finds himself forced to abdicate on his transport.
The family, accompanied by a small retinue, is exiled by Alexander Kerensky and the provisional government to Siberia after none of Russia's allies are willing to grant the former royals sanctuary, fearing the aftermath of their autocratic regime would incite similar revolts. However, the provisional government quickly crumbles following the Bolshevik takeover, leading to a civil war. In a state of panic, and fearful of the pro-monarchist "Whites" attempting to reinstate the Romanovs, the Bolsheviks in Moscow order the royal family to be brought back for trial.
While on their way back to the capital, the royal family and their escort are intercepted by representatives of the local revolutionary government, who apprehend them and transport them to Yekaterinburg. Under harsh and oppressive circumstances, they are overseen by Yakov Yurovsky, who receives orders to execute the family. In the dead of night, the family is abruptly awakened by Yurovsky’s men. Under the guise of a transfer, they are led to the cellar where their lives are tragically cut short by execution.
