Tulip Fever, historical drama

In this story, adapted from a novel by Deborah Moggach by Sir Tom Stoppard, set in 17th century Netherlands, we are plunged into a world of art, passion and betrayal where tulips become the epicentre of a love and financial intrigue.

‘Tulip Fever follows the life of a young woman named Sophia, who is forced to marry an older, wealthy man, Cornelis, in a marriage of convenience.

However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she falls in love with Jan, a young and passionate painter who has been hired to portray the couple.

As the passion between Sophia and Jan blossoms, so does a financial intrigue surrounding the tulip trade, which at the time was an obsession in Dutch society and which triggers a series of events that will test the characters' loyalties, desires and ambitions.

With an exquisite setting, dazzling cinematography and captivating performances, ‘Tulip Fever’ immerses you in a world of art, beauty and deception where every character hides secrets, every decision has consequences and every tulip is more than just a flower.

Through its gripping narrative and romantic atmosphere, ‘Tulip Fever’ invites you to explore the boundaries of love, betrayal and ambition in a world where appearances are deceptive and hearts are torn between duty and passion.

Alicia Vikander and Dane DeHaan unleash passion amidst the hustle and bustle, though some felt that the impulsiveness of their lovers did not fit the larger themes of the story.

Christoph Waltz took centre stage as the morally ambiguous speculator who spurs economic madness, a sublime villain for posterity.

Tulip Fever premiered in Venice to respectful reviews of its craftsmanship, but some criticised its crowded plot for inadvertently trivialising the social impact of the Dutch mania.

Commercially, it underperformed by less than $8 million against a budget of $21 million, failing to reclaim the prestige of the romantic drama.