Tulip Fever 2017

In the midst of 17th century Dutch Republic’s fervent fascination with tulips, Sophia, an orphaned young woman, finds herself ensconced in the tranquil confines of a convent. Her life takes a dramatic turn when Cornelis, an aged spice merchant, offers her marriage and a substantial dowry, which in turn allows her sisters to embark on a new chapter in New Amsterdam, reuniting with their sole surviving relative.

As Sophia navigates her married life three years later, she finds herself increasingly unhappy due to Cornelis’ singular focus on producing an heir. His desperation stems from a perceived past mistake: the loss of his first child and wife, whom he believes God punished for his own transgression. In a misguided attempt to ensure his legacy, Cornelis commissions a painter to immortalize him with a beautiful young wife – Sophia – should he fail to produce a male heir.

Meanwhile, Sophia’s heart begins to stir as she encounters Jan, a talented painter who has been hired to capture her likeness. As their artistic collaboration blossoms into romance, they exchange tender notes, with Sophia sending Jan a bouquet of tulips, symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and beauty. Their love grows more ardent, culminating in an intimate encounter.

Against this backdrop of passion and intrigue, Maria, Sophia’s trusted friend and housemaid, finds herself entangled in a blossoming romance with Willem, a shrewd fishmonger who has amassed a small fortune by speculating in the tulip market. Willem’s confidence and aspirations are rooted in his newfound wealth, leading him to sell his business to another fishmonger.

As Sophia’s clandestine meetings with Jan intensify, she borrows Maria’s cloak to avoid detection. Unbeknownst to her, Willem mistakes her for Maria, triggering a chain of devastating events. Crushed by what he perceives as Maria’s infidelity, Willem descends into despair at a local tavern, only to have his accumulated wealth pilfered by a cunning prostitute. His subsequent attempts to reclaim the stolen funds result in a brutal beating at the hands of her brother and a group of thugs, ultimately forcing him to enlist in the Dutch Navy as a means of survival.

As Jan’s fortunes flourish in the tulip market, he hatches a plan with Sophia to make a daring escape to the New World. His research leads him to an unexpected discovery: the nuns at St. Ursula’s Convent, where Sophia once resided, cultivate exquisite tulips in their gardens. Jan attempts to pilfer some of these prized bulbs, but his thievery is foiled by the vigilant abbess, who lays him low with a swift blow. Regaining consciousness, Jan apologizes profusely and, to his surprise, the abbess grants him the very same tulip bulbs that Willem had purchased before his abduction into the navy.

Meanwhile, Maria’s life takes an unexpected turn when she realizes she is carrying Willem’s child. With her husband absent, the prospect of a bastard child weighs heavily on her. In desperation, she confides in Sophia and demands that the latter conceal her condition from Cornelis, threatening to expose Sophia’s own illicit affair if she does not comply. As a result, Sophia and Maria concoct a plan to pass off the pregnancy as Sophia’s own: when the baby arrives, Sophia will feign death in childbirth, allowing Maria to raise the child as her own with Cornelis. The ruse is set in motion, with Sophia simulating a fatal delivery while Maria gives birth to a daughter.

As the weeks go by, Sophia, disguised as a corpse, weeps uncontrollably as she realizes the full extent of her betrayal and the profound pain it has caused Cornelis. Her grief ultimately gives way to shame, prompting Sophia to flee without warning, leaving Jan heartbroken in his search for her.

Eight years later, Willem returns from his naval expedition in Africa, reuniting with Maria at their home. Their initial animosity gives way to reconciliation once Willem learns he was not betrayed. However, Cornelis overhears their heated argument and the truth about Sophia’s deception is revealed. Rather than harboring resentment, Cornelis comes to terms with the situation, departing for the Dutch East Indies where he finds a new sense of purpose and starts a family.

Years later, the abbess of St. Ursula pays Jan a visit at his studio, marveling at his artwork depicting Sophia. She commends his talent and commissions him to create a stunning mural in the convent’s church. As Jan looks out from the scaffolding, he is struck by the sight of Sophia, now a nun, her eyes locking onto his with a deep sense of nostalgia.