Even at the age of 85, Ridley Scott shows no signs of slowing down. For his 28th feature film, the celebrated director of films like Blade Runner, Alien and Black Hawk Down draws from the annals of history for his source material and brings his Gladiator star along for the ride as the eponymous French Emperor.

The sweeping historical epic details the chequered rise and fall of the merciless Napoleon (Joaquin Phoenix), as told through the lens of his volatile relationship with his one true love, Joséphine de Beauharnais (Vanessa Kirby). Spectacularly staged practical battle sequences showcase Napoleon’s visionary military and political prowess, capturing his relentless journey to power in a thrilling yet intimate tale of violence, betrayal and romance.