Directed by Alan Rickman, A Little Chaos (2014) is a richly crafted period drama that weaves romance, creativity, and political undercurrents into the grandeur of 17th-century France. With a screenplay co-written by Rickman, Jeremy Brock, and Alison Deegan, the film offers an elegant reimagining of a fictional story set within the historical context of the construction of the Palace of Versailles.
The narrative follows Sabine De Barra (Kate Winslet), an independent and unconventional landscape designer who is commissioned by the celebrated architect André Le Nôtre (Matthias Schoenaerts) to work on a major project—creating an outdoor ballroom for King Louis XIV (played by Rickman himself) at the lavish gardens of Versailles. Sabine’s naturalistic and bold approach to design contrasts sharply with the rigid formalism of the French court, making her both an outlier and a source of fascination.
As Sabine navigates the aristocratic world dominated by rules, appearances, and male authority, she also battles personal grief from a tragic past. Her growing connection with Le Nôtre—both artistic and emotional—becomes a central thread in the film, subtly exploring themes of loss, love, healing, and personal empowerment..
Visually, A Little Chaos is a feast for the senses. Its lush cinematography captures the splendor of baroque gardens, ornate court life, and the gentle intimacy of personal moments. The film is further elevated by strong performances, especially Winslet’s quiet yet powerful portrayal of a woman ahead of her time.
While not strictly historical, A Little Chaos succeeds as a poetic interpretation of a transformative period in art and politics. It’s a story about carving beauty out of constraint, cultivating growth amid structure, and daring to bloom where one is not expected to.
Ideal for fans of character-driven dramas, historical romance, and artful period storytelling, A Little Chaos is a film that lingers with grace and depth—much like the gardens it celebrates.