The Death of Louis XIV

The Death of Louis XIV

Year: 2017

Runtime: 115 min

Language: French

Director: Albert Serra

BiographyDramaHistory

As a debilitating fever grips him, the reign of Louis XIV, the "Sun King," begins to decline within the lavish surroundings of Versailles. Bedridden and weakened, the once-powerful monarch finds himself confronting his mortality as his advisors and physicians gather, keenly aware of the looming power struggle. Louis must grapple with the end of his era and the fragility of his legacy while facing the prospect of his death.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen The Death of Louis XIV 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!

Timeline & Setting – The Death of Louis XIV (2017)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Death of Louis XIV (2017). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1715

The movie is set during the early 18th century, a pivotal period in French history marked by the decline of absolute monarchy. Louis XIV's reign, known for its grandiosity and cultural flourishing, faces a critical transition as the nation prepares for the ascension of a youthful Louis XV after the king's death.

Location

Versailles, Basilica of Saint-Denis

Versailles, once the royal residence of Louis XIV, is renowned for its opulent architecture and expansive gardens, symbolizing the absolute monarchy of the Ancien Régime. The Basilica of Saint-Denis is a significant burial site for French monarchs, serving as a testament to the historical lineage of France and the transition of power.

🏰 Palace 🏛️ Basilica

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:46

Main Characters – The Death of Louis XIV (2017)

Meet the key characters of The Death of Louis XIV (2017), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Louis XIV

Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, is depicted as a once-mighty monarch whose resolve and dignity remain evident as he faces death. His refusal to accept amputation showcases his profound connection to royal identity and the weight of expectation upon him, leading to a poignant struggle between duty and deterioration.

👑 Monarch ⚔️ Resilient

Georges Mareschal

Georges Mareschal, as the chief physician, embodies the conflict between the realities of medicine and the will of his king. His expert guidance serves as both a medical authority and a moral compass, emphasizing the tension between loyalty to the crown and the pragmatic approach to the king's failing health.

🩺 Physician 💔 Loyal

Madame Maintenon

Madame Maintenon plays a critical role as the king's mistress and confidante, offering emotional support during his final days. Her presence illustrates the personal ramifications of royal life, as she balances her own sentiments with her loyalty to Louis XIV and the future of the monarchy.

❤️ Supportive 👸 Noble

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:46

Major Themes – The Death of Louis XIV (2017)

Explore the central themes of The Death of Louis XIV (2017), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

👑 Monarchy

The theme of monarchy is central to the film, exploring the burdens of royal duty through Louis XIV's declining health. His attempts to secure the future of the throne reflect the significance placed on lineage and governance, revealing the vulnerabilities inherent in absolute power.

🕊️ Mortality

Mortality resonates profoundly throughout the film as Louis XIV confronts his impending death. His reflections on life and governance during his last days shed light on the inevitability of death, prompting a contemplation of legacy and how one's life choices are ultimately reconciled with fate.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:46

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Meditative films about mortality like The Death of Louis XIV

Contemplative films that intimately observe the process of dying with dignity and sorrow.If you appreciated the reflective and intimate portrayal of dying in The Death of Louis XIV, explore other movies that share this focus on mortality. These films offer similar slow, somber journeys, often set against the backdrop of fading power or personal legacy, creating a deeply melancholic and thought-provoking viewing experience.

sombermeditativereflectiveelegiacclaustrophobicslow burnoppressive

Narrative Summary

Stories in this thread are typically linear and character-centered, following a person's final days as they and those around them grapple with the end. The conflict is internal and existential, centered on acceptance, legacy, and the physical reality of decay, rather than external action.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped together because they share a primary focus on the theme of death, executed with a slow, deliberate pace and a heavy, melancholic tone. They prioritize atmosphere and emotional weight over complex plotting, offering a similarly profound and somber viewing experience.

Movies with claustrophobic power dynamics like The Death of Louis XIV

Stories where power becomes a gilded cage, and tension builds in confined spaces.For viewers who were drawn to the constrained, oppressive atmosphere of Versailles in The Death of Louis XIV, this collection features similar films. Discover stories where powerful figures are confined by their roles, leading to a slow-burn tension and an exploration of fragility within grandeur, perfect for fans of intense character studies.

claustrophobicoppressiveslow burnsombertensereflectivedecadent

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a powerful individual becoming physically or psychologically confined, often in a single lavish or symbolic location. The story charts their gradual loss of control, with tension arising from the quiet power struggles and personal unraveling that occur within these tight quarters.

Why These Movies?

These movies share a specific mood and setting: a slow-burn, claustrophobic feel generated by confining powerful characters. The similarity lies in the oppressive atmosphere, the pacing that mirrors a gradual decline, and the thematic focus on the fragility of authority.

Unlock the Full Story of The Death of Louis XIV

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Death of Louis XIV 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 The Death of Louis XIV is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Death of Louis XIV Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Death of Louis XIV, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Death of Louis XIV Summary

The Death of Louis XIV Timeline

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

The Death of Louis XIV Timeline

The Death of Louis XIV Spoiler-Free Summary

Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of The Death of Louis XIV that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.

The Death of Louis XIV Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Death of Louis XIV

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about The Death of Louis XIV: 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 The Death of Louis XIV

Similar Movies to The Death of Louis XIV

Discover movies like The Death of Louis XIV 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.