Sisi & I

Irma: "You've always pushed away everyone who loved you. It's an unmitigated disaster." A coming-of-age film about a woman in her forties! Sandra Hüller plays Countess Irma, a wide-eyed character drawn into the orbit of Empress Sisi. Sisi is demanding, mercurial, and really quite toxic, but she's the first person to show Irma more than contempt. Naturally this lesbian falls in love. What follows from this premise is ninety minutes of Irma getting queerbaited by the Empress. Irma seems like just another plaything to the unhappy monarch, but to Sisi she is everything. In meeting her, and later, losing her, Irma learns the taste of freedom. My favorite part of this movie was Sandra Hüller! Another captivating performance. She truly can do no wrong. Her final scene smiling by the sea (remembering Sisi by the sounds of seagulls) was really touching. Other things: • Hüller's English accent is exquisite! • Gorgeous scenery and colors! • Some truly egregious costuming and music choices in this one