A Little Chaos 2015

King Louis XIV of France entrusts his chief landscape architect, André Le Nôtre, with the monumental task of envisioning and creating the magnificent Gardens of Versailles. Already overwhelmed with various significant projects, Le Nôtre seeks to share the burden by interviewing a range of skilled landscape designers. Among the candidates is the remarkable Sabine de Barra, a woman who stands out in 17th century France for her independence and professional triumphs.

Upon her arrival at the palace grounds for an interview, Sabine pauses to adjust a potted plant in the courtyard, capturing André’s attention as he watches from a distance. During their conversation, Le Nôtre probes into her design philosophy, questioning whether she prioritizes order above all else. While Sabine respects the importance of landscape order, she expresses a desire to create something that is distinctly French, steering away from classical and Renaissance designs. Ultimately, when André insists on adhering to his stringent standards, Sabine graciously acknowledges his expertise, only to be abruptly dismissed.

Nonetheless, Sabine’s designs are reintroduced to Le Nôtre by his astute assistant, leading him to reevaluate her capabilities. In an unexpected turn of fate, André pays an unannounced visit to Sabine’s home and is captivated by the enchanting yet wild beauty of her garden. This serendipitous encounter inspires him to assign her the outdoor bosquet ballroom project at Versailles, combining innovative fountains and landscaping that defy his initial plans.

Sabine proposes a groundbreaking concept for the project—employing a reservoir to recycle water for the fountains, thus alleviating the need for a costly fresh water supply. Although the first group of workers encounters challenges, Sabine soon receives a reinvigorated and proficient crew from one of her former competitors. This new support accelerates construction, energizing the project.

Her stunning beauty, innocent sincerity, and passionate spirit garner attention at court, cultivating friendships with the King’s brother, Duc Philippe d’Orléans, and his wife Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess Palatine. Meanwhile, with the unexpected demise of Queen Maria Theresa, vulnerability surfaces at the court, allowing Sabine and André to nurture a tender, clandestine connection, albeit hindered by André’s marriage and their professional boundaries. As they collaborate, André is profoundly moved by Sabine’s unwavering dedication and honesty.

In his deep sorrow following the loss of his cherished wife, the King seeks comfort among the serene pear trees at the gardens of the Château de Marly. It is within this tranquility that Sabine, mistaking him for the gardener with whom she wishes to exchange botanical ideas, stumbles upon him. As they engage in a genuine conversation, unencumbered by the nuances of royal protocol, the King’s intrigue in Sabine’s candidness blossoms, leading him to invite her on an excursion to the Palace of Fontainebleau.

Simultaneously, André grapples with the pain stemming from his wife Françoise’s betrayals, which she attributes to his growing success that she claims was bolstered by her influence at court. When Françoise senses the King’s increasing interest in Sabine, she warns André to avoid any indulgence, prompting him to echo her previous words regarding their right to seek solace elsewhere, ultimately deciding to pursue a relationship with Sabine.

As tensions mount between André and Françoise, she confronts Sabine amidst the beautiful grounds of Versailles, cautioning her that the King’s affections are fleeting. Later that night, chaos ensues during a violent storm, instigated by Françoise’s lover who, at her request, opens the reservoir’s sluice gates, resulting in catastrophic flooding that devastates the construction site. Sabine narrowly escapes a watery fate as she fights to close the dam, but André arrives just in time to save her. The following day sees Sabine working tirelessly to mend the destruction.

Despite the damage, the King visits the site, surveying the chaos with skepticism but ultimately allowing progress to continue. Upon searching the area, André discovers Françoise’s glove—confirming his suspicions of her involvement in the sabotage—and confronts her, thereby fracturing their tumultuous relationship for good.

Introduced to the royal court by the Duc de Lauzun and the King’s mistress, the Marquise de Montespan, Sabine gradually finds acceptance. As Sabine shares her personal tragedies—the loss of her wife and six-year-old daughter—the other women at court, including the Marquise, recount their experiences of heartache, welcoming her warmly.

Later, Sabine is formally presented to the King, where she gives him a Four Seasons rose—a reminder of their first meeting in the gardens. During a leisurely stroll, they discuss the complexities of roses—their enticing beauty, struggles, and fleeting existence—where Sabine unintentionally defends Madame de Montespan, who’s beginning to fall out of the King’s favor. Once more, the King is enchanted by Sabine’s wisdom, praising her as “a wise rose” as he invites her to continue their discourse.

As the night deepens, André awaits Sabine’s return outside her modest home, anticipation giving way to tender intimacy when she finally arrives. The next morning, he finds himself startled awake by a ghostly glimpse of Sabine lost in a painful memory—her life’s cruel twist that left her shattered after the tragic deaths of her husband and daughter. The haunting memory unfolds with poignant clarity, revealing the unfortunate circumstances that spiraled into unimaginable loss.

André gently rouses Sabine from her distressing reverie, encouraging her to release the guilt that has tormented her. As she begins to heal, her thoughts drift to his marital troubles, prompting André to express a poignant truth: his marriage has ended. The lingering uncertainty leads them to contemplate their future, with André promising a shared journey ahead.

Finally, as the sun radiates over the grand opening of Sabine’s exquisite bosquet garden, the King arrives alongside his court, accompanied by an enchanting orchestra. The air is filled with jubilant music as fountains twirl gracefully across the grand outdoor ballroom. It becomes clear that Sabine’s artistic vision has seamlessly materialized, earning her the King’s unreserved admiration. After the royal dance of the night, Sabine and André clasp hands, stepping away from the resplendent festivities to stroll hand in hand into the serene forest, as the camera gradually elevates above the breathtaking splendor of Versailles, revealing the vast beauty of the gardens they have created together.