Fresh out of the Cannes Film Market comes the announcement of The Official Mistress, a revisionist historical rom-com starring Mckenna Grace, Louis Partridge, and Paul Walter Hauser.
The film, written and directed by Matt Brown, offers a “wickedly fun” and unconventional perspective on the final days of the French monarchy. The story centers on King Louis XVI (Hauser), who attempts to appoint Madeleine de Vascone (Grace) as his La Maîtresse-en-Titre, the Official Mistress, to dispel rumors of his impotence. Amidst this royal maneuvering, a humble cook named Rene (Partridge) risks a charge of treason by becoming the King’s Taster in a desperate bid to save Madeleine, his first love.
Producers describe the project as an opulent and erotic blend of Shakespeare in Love, Dangerous Liaisons, and Wuthering Heights. Director Matt Brown intends to use the “ridiculous decadence” of the court of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette as a backdrop to explore themes of longing, ambition, and the courage required to challenge a broken system.
With production set to begin this September in Europe, the film’s worldwide sales are being handled by North.Five.Six at Cannes, while the search for the key role of Marie Antoinette continues.
