Lady Jane 1986

Somerset faces a devastating defeat in his struggle for power against Northumberland, leading to his execution. With Edward VI still a minor and unmarried, Northumberland, who wields control over the realm, recognizes the importance of the succession. He approaches his ally, Suffolk, pushing for Suffolk’s wife, Frances Brandon—granddaughter of Henry VII—and her daughter, Jane Grey, to usurp the line of succession from Henry VIII’s daughters. As Jane’s impressive scholarship shines during a spirited debate with a classical scholar priest, Edward is quick to point out, “her learning is an example to us all.”

Foreseeing Edward’s imminent death, Northumberland devises a plot to sideline Mary and Elizabeth from the throne. He aims to persuade Edward to alter the succession line, prioritizing Frances’s claim for Jane. To solidify their control, Suffolk consents to Jane marrying Guilford Dudley, Northumberland’s son—a notion Jane abhors, worrying about Edward’s opinion. However, after receiving her mother’s reprimands, she feels pressured to acquiesce. Northumberland convinces Edward that their union is crucial for the Reformation. With reluctance, Jane yields to Edward’s plea to marry Guilford “for me.”

As Edward’s condition deteriorates, Northumberland goes so far as to request arsenic from the doctor to prolong Edward’s life just long enough for him to secure the revised succession document. Guilford, unaware of the political machinations, is found celebrating in a pub and learns he is to wed Jane. When they finally meet, Jane firmly states that her main concerns are study and prayer, leading Guilford—a man inclined towards indulgence—to express his disinterest in such piety. Their wedding night is a comical farce as Guilford falls asleep almost instantly after Jane enters.

On their travels, Guilford and Jane encounter commoners angry over injustices inflicted upon them, as one exclaims, “give us back our land.” This moment leaves Jane perplexed, but Guilford explains the harsh realities of land confiscation and the impact of enclosures. Jane begins to realize her devotion may not be enough to tackle these societal issues.

Northumberland attends to Edward in his final moments, seeking his approval to amend the succession line, twisting Edward’s affection for Mary into a political argument. Edward, feeling the weight of duty, is ultimately coaxed into signing the document. Back home, a playful conversation ensues between Jane and Guilford, who shatter wine glasses in a game, revealing Jane’s emerging hope for a brighter England. No longer merely a demure student, she starts to imagine herself as a queen capable of enacting societal reform, blissfully unaware of the reality awaiting her.

Yet, Northumberland’s machinations are precarious. Despite his efforts, he cannot detain Mary or Elizabeth. Following Edward’s death, he insists on proclaiming Jane as queen, but she vehemently protests, exclaiming, “no, it is not mine!” Upon learning of Guilford’s intended role as king, she questions his involvement in the conspiracy but eventually acquiesces to accept the crown. While the announcement stirs confusion rather than celebration, a letter reveals that Mary has declared herself queen.

As Northumberland assembles an army, Jane intervenes, demanding commitments for social reforms and refusing to endorse any military action thrust upon her. Despite Northumberland’s initial successes in detaining Mary’s supporters, Jane insists on their release, only to learn that the tide is turning against them. When Suffolk enters, delivering grim news of Northumberland’s betrayal and Mary’s rise, Jane’s response is surprisingly stoic: “What a relief. Father, can we go home?”

Tragically, Jane and Guilford are swiftly imprisoned in the Tower. With Mary reclaiming her throne, she enacts mercy for those who opposed the Reformation, yet she wrestles with the implications of Jane’s looming execution on her own desires. As rebellion stirs, Jane discovers that her father is implicated, leading to a swift condemnation for both herself and Guilford, sentenced to death.

In her final moments, Jane learns of Guilford’s execution and faces her own fate at the scaffold on Tower Green. Despite the sorrow it brings, Queen Mary looks away, uttering, “I am going to meet my husband.” A priest, reflecting on Jane’s life, quotes Plato in the film’s poignant conclusion: “The soul takes flight to the world that is invisible but there arriving she is sure of bliss and forever dwells in paradise.”