Tulip Fever

Sophia, an orphan, is raised in a convent during the turbulent times just before tulip mania takes hold in the Dutch Republic. The convent provides her with shelter and community, but she longs for freedom and a different life.

Sophia receives a marriage proposal from Cornelis Sandvoort, an older spice merchant, which offers her a chance to leave the confines of the convent. This union also provides a path for her sisters to reunite with their aunt in New Amsterdam.

Three years into their marriage, Sophia feels increasingly isolated as Cornelis becomes fixated on having an heir. His obsession stems from the tragic past of his deceased first wife, creating a deep emotional rift in their relationship.

In an effort to preserve his memories, Cornelis hires painter Jan van Loos to create a portrait of him and Sophia. This decision sets the stage for unforeseen romantic developments between Sophia and Jan.

As Jan paints, a forbidden romance ignites between him and Sophia. They exchange notes and share intimate moments, igniting a passionate bond amidst the restrictions of their lives.

Maria, Sophia's housemaid, is in love with Willem, a fishmonger eager to prosper in the tulip trade. To secure financial stability for their future together, Willem decides to sell his business.

When Sophia borrows Maria’s cloak for a secret meeting with Jan, Willem mistakenly believes she is being unfaithful to him. Distraught, he turns to a pub for comfort, only to face robbers and enlist in the Dutch Navy.

Jan dreams of escaping to the New World with Sophia and starts looking for ways to procure tulip bulbs. His commitment to their future together intensifies after receiving bulbs as a gift from the convent’s abbess.

With Willem away, Maria discovers she is pregnant, the result of her relationship with him. Fearing scandal, she threatens to expose Sophia’s affair unless they come up with a plan.

In a desperate bid for freedom, Sophia and Maria devise a scheme where Sophia will pretend to die during childbirth. This ruse would allow Sophia to escape her troubled life with Jan, while Maria would raise the child.

Maria gives birth, and Cornelis, devastated by the news of Sophia's supposed death, mourns deeply. Sophia, hidden beneath her shroud, battles her guilt over the deception while yearning for Jan.

Willem returns from his naval service in Africa, realizing he still loves Maria. Their reunion signals a hopeful turn in their tumultuous relationship as they find solace in each other.

Cornelis uncovers the elaborate conspiracy involving Sophia, Jan, and Maria. Heartbroken yet resigned, he decides to leave his life behind and seek a new beginning in the Dutch East Indies.

Years later, the abbess visits Jan and admires his artwork that now features Sophia. She acknowledges his talent and commissions him for more, opening new doors for his career.

While working on a commission up high on a scaffold, Jan is shocked to spot Sophia, who has been living in the convent. Their exchanged glances carry the weight of their unfulfilled past and emotions.