A beautiful, naïve teenager from one of Britain’s best families suddenly becomes the top marriage candidate for the country’s wealthiest and most powerful bachelor. They are married in a lavish celebration and all of London lines the streets to watch. She immediately becomes a media darling—her fashions, hair and political leanings are on everyone’s lips. She uses her fame for the causes she believes in, and dutifully bears her husband’s children.

It would seem a fairy tale existence, except for the fact that her husband is the only person in all of England who is not in love with her. His interest is elsewhere, and she learns that she must find other outlets for her passion as well. No, this is not a biopic about Lady Diana Spencer, but rather the story of Lady Georgiana Spencer Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, who lived from 1757 to 1806. Diana Spencer is, incidentally, a direct descendent of Georgiana. Kiera Knightly plays the title role in the film that covers ten years of her fascinating life, from the time the powerful and icy cold Duke of Devonoshire, William Cavendish, (Ralph Fiennes) made her a young, innocent bride at 17.

This is no tightly corseted, big haired, bodice ripping period piece, but a timeless, thoughtful, heart wrenching and highly relatable film. Although she is only 24, this could well be considered the pinnacle of Knightly’s career. It will be hard for her to find another such well-written role, and she proves she is definitely up to the challenge of this one. Dominic Cooper, was last seen playing the eager young bridegroom in Mama Mia!, also does an exceptional job as politician Charles Grey, Georgiana’s star-crossed lover. The Duchess is one of the best films to be released so far this year, look for it to receive a major Oscar campaign as awards season heats up.

Rated PG-13

– Lisa Johnson Mandell