It is the end of the 18th century, and fifteen-year-old princess Caroline (Vikander) travels from England to Copenhagen, full of high hopes for her arranged marriage to Denmark's King Christian (Følsgaard). Any fantasies of a fairy-tale life are quickly dashed, however, when she discovers that her husband-to-be is a child-like imbecile, more excited about his dog than his luminous new bride. Disillusioned, she acts upon sound advice from her mother and promptly bears the King a son to gain the acceptance of his Court. After all, if Christian is more concerned with buxom prostitutes than the well-being of his struggling country, then she might as well use her proximity to the throne for the greater good.

When the King returns from a tour of Europe accompanied by his new friend, confidante and personal physician, Johann Struensee (Mikkelsen), Queen Caroline finds an unexpected ally. A fervent disciple of the Enlightenment movement that advocates morality over oppression, Struensee's revolutionary ideals immediately invigorate the repressed Queen, and what starts out as a meeting of the minds soon leads to a physical connection. Before long, Struensee and Caroline are using their newfound influence to persuade the King to assert his previously unused power, enacting reforms that will change Denmark forever.

You'd think the Brits would have cornered the market on historical dramas about cuckolded royals and bodice-ripping liaisons by now, but A Royal Affair shows that the Danish have equally sensational tales in their history too. Beautifully produced, immensely entertaining and superbly acted, this is a refreshingly engaging film that will have even the most discerning filmgoer gripped.