Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Mild
- expansive
- melancholic
- reflective
- historical film night
- quiet weekend viewing
What critics said
Critics found the film handsomely mounted but dramatically underpowered, while broadly praising Nicole Kidman’s committed lead performance and the supporting cast.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The narrative follows Gertrude Bell as a traveler, archaeologist, cartographer, writer, and political attaché.
Bell’s work unfolds amid British involvement in Persia, Arabia, Egypt, and the declining Ottoman Empire.
Bell repeatedly crosses vast Middle Eastern deserts during archaeological and diplomatic journeys.
Bell’s relationships with Henry Cadogan and Richard Wylie intersect with her increasingly demanding travels and political vocation.
Films like Queen of the Desert, and why
Lawrence of Arabia
shared biographical epic scale, desert landscapes, British imperial history, and Middle Eastern political intrigue
Out of Africa
shared female-centered historical adventure, colonial-era travel, and determined outsider protagonist
A Passage to India
shared historical biography, British colonial context, romantic disappointment, and expansive landscapes
The Last Emperor
shared period exploration, imperial politics, and visually ambitious biographical storytelling
Movie Details
- Director
- Werner Herzog
- Release Date
- 2015-09-03
- Runtime
- 128 min
- Rating
- 5.8 / 10 (313)
Cast
- Nicole Kidman
- James Franco
- Robert Pattinson
- Damian Lewis
- Jay Abdo
- Jenny Agutter
- David Calder
- Christopher Fulford
- Nick Waring
- Holly Earl
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- fuboTV, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Sundance Now
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Queen of the Desert about?
- Werner Herzog’s sweeping biographical drama follows Gertrude Bell as she transforms desert expeditions, romantic loss, and imperial diplomacy into an extraordinary life of influence.
- What is Queen of the Desert like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Queen of the Desert as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Queen of the Desert violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Queen of the Desert as mild.
- What did critics think of Queen of the Desert?
- Critics found the film handsomely mounted but dramatically underpowered, while broadly praising Nicole Kidman’s committed lead performance and the supporting cast.
- Which films are like Queen of the Desert?
- Films with a similar feel include Lawrence of Arabia, Out of Africa, A Passage to India, and The Last Emperor.
- How long is Queen of the Desert?
- Queen of the Desert runs 128 minutes.
- Where can I watch Queen of the Desert?
- In United States, Queen of the Desert streams on fuboTV, Philo, Paramount+ Amazon Channel, AMC+ Amazon Channel, Sundance Now.
