Based on Amanda Foreman’s biography novel of the famous 18th century English aristocrat Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, English actress Keira Knightley stars in this British drama film released in 2008. This heartfelt film is based on the amazing true story of Georgiana Cavendish, the Duchess of Devonshire, and a descendent of Princess Diana whose captivating beauty and charisma made her a name amongst people, highly extravagant tastes and an interest in gambling and love made her infamous. At the tender age of 18 years old, set up by her mother for marriage, Georgiana marries the Duke of Devonshire, whom was a lot older with traits of being an unfaithful husband, but seen as very popular and loyal amongst his people. After marriage, it gave Georgiana the title amongst England as a fashion icon, a loving mother, a well sharp political operator, friendly with ministers and princes, and greatly respected by the common people. This film is largely based on Georgiana’s desperate search for love. It dives into her passionate affair with Charles Grey, the future Prime Minister of England, and the heated love triangle between her unfaithful husband and best friend, Lady Bess Foster.
In The Duchess, Keira Knightley portrays Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire as a woman who strives very hard to meet her husband’s standards and needs. Georgiana does her very best after a few years of marriage with the Duke of Devonshire to produce a single male heir to the throne, but gave birth to two daughters whom he never took an interest as a father to them. She is forced to raise an illegitimate child named Charlotte as her own daughter as well. Georgiana later meets Lady Bess Foster at a party after seeing her husband speaking with the woman in private. Approaching Lady Bess Foster, she clearly tells Georgiana that nothing is going on between her and the duke. They became best friends and Lady Foster moves into the Devonshire household.
Furthermore into the film, Georgiana and Lady Bess Foster enjoy a play and meets Charles Grey. Georgiana approaches Grey and asks what he thought of the play for the evening. Grey told her he thought it was a tragedy, not a comedy. Later that evening in Georgiana’s bedroom, Lady Foster tells her Grey is in love with her. She does not believe her. Soon Georgiana and Grey develop intimate romantic feelings for one another. She finds out later that her best friend is having an affair with her husband. Deeply distraught and hurt, Georgiana turns to Charles Grey and runs off to the other side of town to be with him. The Duke of Devonshire finds out about the secret relationship and threatens Georgiana that she will lose her children if she does not drop Grey out of her life forever. She lets go of Grey and keeps her children. At the end, Georgiana finds out she is pregnant with Grey’s baby and is struck with extreme sadness after giving their baby away to his family.
I highly recommend The Duchess with this film being a favorite of mine since the release of the movie in 2008. It is a very strong, captivating, and breathtaking film that will make you wonder about this woman, Georgiana Cavendish, and her life story all in a brilliant film. If you are a history buff like me, I suggest watching this beautiful, breathtaking film based on the life of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire.