The shrewd, forty-four year reign of coquettish Queen Elizabeth I is explored in vivid detail in this lavish historical drama starring Anne-Marie Duff in the title role and directed by Coky Giedroyk. Imprisoned in the Tower of London after being charged with treason and conspiracy by Queen Mary, young Elizabeth defies authority by maintaining her Protestant faith as England falls into chaos as a result of Henry VIIIs historical break with the Catholic Church. Though both are bonded by blood to the oft-married Henry VIII, Elizabeth and Marys stubborn wills clash when the Mary vows to reunite with Rome and the unbreakable Elizabeth makes the potentially fatal decision not to bend to Catholic pressure. Unexpectedly thrust into the throne following Marys untimely death, Elizabeth struggles to maintain control of a religiously divided nation as numerous enemies conspire against her and the pressures of a politically advantageous marriage become too powerful to resist. With every eligible bachelor in the land vying for her hand in marriage, Elizabeth offers nothing but rejection as she pines for the companionship of her handsome childhood friend Robert Dudley. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide