The film Empresses is slated to premiere in Russia on October 26, with TASS reporting the release date. The project is described by its makers as a documentary feature, and it serves as a follow up to Andrei Kravchuk’s 2022 work Peter I. The Last Tsar and the First Emperor.
Empresses centers its narrative on the reigns and intrigues surrounding Catherine I, Anna Ioannovna, and Elizabeth I, weaving together the perspectives of three significant empresses who shaped Russia during a period of rapid change. The same director, Andrei Kravchuk, returns to helm the project. Yulia Peresild is cast in the role of Elizabeth Petrovna, with a supporting ensemble that includes Evgeniy Schwartz, known for Karamora, Ivan Kolesnikov of Union of Liberation, Anna Ukolova, and Alexandra Veleskevich, recognized for Major Grom: Plague Doctor. According to the producers, the film promises a richly textured portrait of power, culture, and court life during an era when female leadership influenced Russia’s destiny.
The filmmakers describe Empresses as a thorough exploration of a moment when a young empire found itself shaped by the ambitions and strategies of its female rulers. They emphasize that Peter I’s forward push laid the groundwork for Russia to not only endure upheaval but to emerge with greater beauty, authority, and national stature. The project is supported by historians with deep specialization in this historical window, ensuring accuracy in synopses, costuming, and set design. Visuals are crafted through palace-scale locations, purpose-built pavilion spaces, and meticulously recreated outfits. The director notes that one distinctive feature of this production is the care taken with Elizabeth Petrovna’s wardrobe, with the character never repeating the same garment twice within the story.
In discussions around casting, Yulia Peresild has stepped into the role of Elizabeth I, complementing a cast that includes performers who have previously contributed to prominent modern Russian cinema. The ensemble brings a blend of experience across historical drama and contemporary genre work, adding texture to the portrayal of court life and political maneuvering. The emphasis in production notes is on authenticity, from dialogue rhythms to the material culture of court ceremonies and daily life at the imperial court. The team positions Empresses as a film that invites audiences to witness the intimate dynamics of ruling families, the pressures of succession, and the strategies that underlie statecraft in a pivotal era of Russian history.
With this project, Kravchuk continues his exploration of monumental figures and elections of fate within the corridors of power. The film’s development follows the cinematic approach established in the predecessor, focusing on documentary-style storytelling tempered by cinematic storytelling. Industry observers note the trend toward feature-length documentary films that blend archival sourcing with staged scenes to illuminate well-known historical episodes from fresh angles. Empresses aims to deliver a narrative that resonates with both history enthusiasts and general audiences, providing a clear view of how leadership transitions can redefine a nation’s trajectory. The production team has indicated that the project’s visual language and narrative pacing are designed to balance scholarly rigor with accessible storytelling, making the complex dynamics of the era engaging and comprehensible for contemporary viewers.
There is attention to the commercial aspect as well. While the focus remains on historical interpretation, the film markets itself through strong performances, high production values, and a proven director’s track record. The previous Kravchuk project faced a mixed reception at the box office, which has informed the current approach to Empresses as a broader, more immersive experience that seeks to connect with a wide audience while staying faithful to the historical material. The producers highlight that the film’s release follows a carefully planned schedule designed to maximize visibility in both domestic and international markets. The overall aim is to offer a compelling cinematic experience that honors the era’s complexity while delivering the dramatic pull audiences expect from a serious historical feature.