07/01/2025
Queen of Hearts (Dronningen) (2019) – A Bold, Unforgettable Dive into Power, Morality & Consequences
Directed by May el-Toukhy, Queen of Hearts is a gripping Danish drama that plunges fearlessly into the dark waters of power, consent, and moral collapse. What starts as the picture of a successful woman’s flawless life slowly unravels into a tense psychological thriller filled with devastating intimacy and far-reaching consequences.
A Tour de Force Performance
Trine Dyrholm delivers a breathtaking portrayal of Anne—a respected lawyer and mother whose life begins to spiral when she embarks on a forbidden affair with her teenage stepson, Gustav (Gustav Lind). What starts with seduction and ambiguity soon turns into manipulation and irreversible damage, tearing apart the very fabric of her family.
Dyrholm perfectly captures Anne’s complex duality: outwardly nurturing, composed, and charismatic, yet beneath the surface, self-serving and morally fractured. Gustav’s vulnerability, confusion, and heartbreak come alive through Lind’s powerful and sensitive performance. Their relationship is raw, unsettling, and painfully real—forcing us to confront difficult ethical questions without easy answers.
Masterful Direction & Atmosphere
May el-Toukhy’s restrained yet emotionally charged direction avoids sensationalism, letting the story unfold with quiet dread and intensity. The cold, elegant cinematography mirrors Anne’s sterile world and the emotional numbness her actions provoke. Meanwhile, the minimalist score and haunting sound design pull you deeper into the film’s psychological tension.
A Morally Complex, Provocative Story
Queen of Hearts challenges traditional narratives by placing a woman in a position of predatory authority, shaking up our assumptions about victimhood and power. It forces us to face uncomfortable truths about gender dynamics, control, and privilege in ways that linger long after the credits roll.
This is not an easy watch—but it is a necessary one. A harrowing exploration of power, responsibility, and the devastating consequences of choices made in the shadows.
A must-see for fans of morally complex dramas, anchored by an unforgettable performance.
Have you seen it? What did you think? Let’s discuss!