Elizabeth: The Golden Age 2007

In the year 1585, Spain, under the rule of King Philip II (Jordi Molla), stands as Europe’s most formidable power. Viewing Protestant England as a daunting threat, Philip seeks to retaliate against the English for their piracy, culminating in his ambition to conquer England and place his daughter Isabella on the throne, thereby replacing Elizabeth (Cate Blanchett).

In England, Queen Elizabeth faces immense pressure to marry, particularly from her advisor Sir Francis Walsingham (Geoffrey Rush). As time passes and without an heir, the throne risks passing to her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots (Samantha Morton). Presented with portraits of suitable suitors, Elizabeth, however, remains steadfast in her refusal, even dismissing the advances of the infatuated Archduke Charles of Austria (Christian Brassington).

The narrative changes with the arrival of Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen), who returns from his exploits in the New World. He brings gifts of potatoes, tobacco, and gold from Spanish ships—claiming they were lost at sea. Although the Spanish ambassador raises objections, Elizabeth insists that the Native Americans be treated honorably, disregarding the gold entirely.

Awed by Raleigh’s tales of adventure, Elizabeth finds herself attracted to him, subsequently entrusting her lady-in-waiting, Elizabeth Throckmorton (Abbie Cornish), affectionately known as Bess, to observe him closely. Bess is similarly captivated and secretly enters into a romance with Raleigh. Seeking counsel, Elizabeth consults her astrologer, Dr. John Dee (David Threlfall), who ominously predicts an impending war between empires without revealing the victor.

Simultaneously, Jesuits in London conspire with Philip to eliminate Elizabeth in what is deemed “The English Enterprise”—historically recognized as the Babington Plot. As Walsingham uncovers this treachery, Elizabeth grapples with the stark reality of being targeted. Despite the growing threat and the fact that half of her subjects remain loyal to Catholicism, she consciously chooses not to impose her beliefs upon them.

The conspiracy escalates as Walsingham sheds light on the plots and the fate of those involved, exemplified tragically by the murder of Bess’s cousin. Seeking solace, Bess turns to Raleigh, which complicates their relationships and stirs jealousy, prompting Raleigh’s yearning for the New World.

Walsingham, harboring his own secrets, clarifies that the threat looms larger than anticipated. Elizabeth confronts the Spanish diplomats, who deflect accusations against them, leading to a near brawl at court. Meanwhile, Philip mobilizes efforts to assemble the Spanish Armada.

Mary’s correspondence, supportive of the assassination plot, ignites further tension. In a dramatic confrontation, Anthony Babington (Eddie Redmayne) attempts to kill Elizabeth but, to everyone’s shock, he only fires a blank. Anger mounts as Walsingham insists on executing Mary to immobilize potential insurgence, and despite her reluctance, Elizabeth consents to the execution as Mary ascends the block in a martyr’s crimson attire.

Mary’s death sparks a fervent call for war from Philip, who manipulates the event for papal justification. In England, Raleigh, eager for adventure, seeks to voyage to the New World, yet Elizabeth, instead, knights him. Bess learns of her pregnancy with Raleigh’s child, leading to their secret marriage while Elizabeth grapples with her dreams that portend betrayal.

When the inevitable confrontation with the Armada burgeons, Elizabeth publicly forgives Bess and frees Raleigh to join in the battle. Clad in armor, she delivers her iconic Speech to the Troops at Tilbury, rallying her subjects against the external threat. Despite overwhelming odds, divine intervention strikes; a tempest ravages the Armada, rendering them defenseless as Elizabeth witnesses the destruction unfold from the cliffs.

In the aftermath, she pays her respects to a dying Walsingham, expressing her gratitude, ultimately finding a moment of peace with Raleigh and Bess to bless their child. Though victorious, Elizabeth emerges resolute in her identity as the Virgin Queen and the nurturing mother of her nation.