[Gardavasque]

The Last Monarch

Release Date: December 17, 2021 (Gardavasque) December 24, 2021 (Worldwide)
Language: Modern Romanx
Run time: 123 Minutes
Directed by: Jenny Fields
Staring: Alexandra Forrest, T.S. Garp, Harold Cooper, Iris Gains, Roy Hobbs, and Raphael Danceny as Dan Gallagher.
Nomination Categories: Best New IDU Film, Best Actor (Alexandra Forrest)

Production Description:
The Last Monarch is a 2021 biographical period drama directed by veteran director Jenny Fields (Happy Birthday, Mr. President, Deadly Obsession, The Night The Lights Went Out in Haven) set in the final year of the brief but spectacular Kingdom of Gardavasque which lasted only 10 years from 1789 - 1800. Alexandra Forrest (Deadly Obsession, Get Those Puppies, Olympic Boulevard) stars as Princess Epiphany, the 40-year-old heir and only child of King Flip played by Harold Cooper (Out of Kerlile, My Own Private Fideleco). While King Flip is singularly focused on keeping the old traditions alive at any cost, Princess Epiphany remains committed to principles of social democracy she has learned from a young revolutionary David Saul (T.S. Garp Stay Woke, All Quiet on the Maximusian Front) who teaches poetry to disabled farmworkers. Iris Gains (Jupiter Attacks!, When Harriet Met Sally) is Princess Hilda, an ambitious courtier determined to expose Epiphany as a traitor. Roy Hobbs is Lord Baconsfield, Epiphany's loyal ally and advisor. Raphael Danceny is Father Dan Gallagher, the conniving Prime Minister of Ecclesiastical Dominions determined to destabilize Gardavasque in preparation for a religious political takeover. The exquisite and historically accurate costumes, wigs, and make-up by Katheryn Bennett evoke an extravagant time when accumulation of wealth and power were at the forefront of Gardavascan society. Sweeping cinemascapes, aerial footage, and carefully-composed photography by Walter Kresby keep the viewer constantly alert. The dramatic classical score by Lachenoirian Composer Bromley Kent with the Melissa City Philharmonic provides an aurally satisfying soundtrack to match Kresby's visuals. The Last Monarch opened to critical acclaim in December 2021 and is available for streaming on Hello, Webflix, and NilePrimo.

Synopsis: 

In January 1799, most of the nations of the former Liberalian Empire were struggling with economic depression, political instability, and a loss of national identity. As the drumbeats of revolution echoed through the streets of Eternity, Princess Epiphany is in mourning for her husband lost at sea on his return from a diplomatic mission to the Loiraine Province of Laeral. As speculation about mutiny abounds, she takes solace in the Redwoods outside Castle McCleneghan. There she encounters her old friend David Saul inspiring his students, former workers disabled in Gardavasque's factories, to write poetry about their experiences of grief and loss. David suggests the Princess attend some labor organizing meetings with him to understand the needs of the common people, as she will one day need to lead them as heir to the Sempervirens Throne. Epiphany begins to walk among the common people in the city, protected, she believes by a disguise. In the evenings she helps her father, King Flip, reach an important decision on how to manage competing needs for farmers and corporate industrialists who are pushing capitalist reforms. Despite the dwindling national treasury and looming foreign debt, the conspicuous materialism and elaborate lifestyles of court life prove morally disturbing for Epiphany. That night at the Tenebrae Mass of the Dead, King Flip inadvertently discloses to Epiphany that his own "internal constitution" is "bankrupt" as a result of "the sins of my father now visited upon me." Flip informs her of a recent attempt on his life that resulted in the exposure of a nefarious faction of which her cousin, Princess Hilda, has helped to cover up. Flip urges Epiphany to remarry quickly as possible to consolidate her grip on power since it is only way "to keep the Gardavascan dream alive."

The next day, the King has fallen ill by poisoned communion wine, implicating the visiting Prime Minister of Ecclesiastical Dominions Father Dan Gallagher. As Epiphany sets about to blackmail the Ecclesian dignitaries, she is offered a proposal of a strategic alliance from the untrustworthy Prime Minister who admits "I do whatever God tells me to do. Sometimes he changes his mind." Epiphany seeks the counsel of Lord Baconsfield, a trusted advisor and veteran of the War of Liberalian Succession, who warns her of plots on her life from within the palace walls. 

Meanwhile, an explosion at a textile factory starts a conflagration that threatens the city. As the city burns out of control, David finds Epiphany and provides proof the factory was sabotaged and fire deliberately set. Epiphany prepares to confront her Cousin Hilda but finds herself confronted with an assassin. To the surprise of all involved, Epiphany is able to turn the tables (literally) proving herself as worthy in combat as any man. Princess Hilda, now exposed as a traitor, is ordered to be imprisoned and tried for treason; she begs for her life and offers proof of other plots against the royal family, including Epiphany's deceased husband. Before the night is over King Flip succumbs to the poison, ensuring Epiphany's role in the future of Gardavasque. 

At her coronation, Epiphany delivers a monologue about the corrupting power of hereditary rule and evil wrought by greed and ambition. Epiphany vows to convene a new Constitutional Convention and signals she will dissolve the monarchy forever in favor of a new form of government, democracy. "Our ability to participate in government, to elect our leaders, and improve our lives is contingent on our ability to access the ballot. We know in our heart of hearts that voting is a sacred right, the fount from which all other rights flow."
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