The Great (2020), Elle Fanning delivers a dazzling portrayal of Catherine the Great, capturing not only the sharp wit and ambitious spirit of the empress-to-be but also an undeniable magnetism that radiates in every scene. As Catherine navigates the chaotic court of imperial Russia, her presence becomes the axis around which everything spins — elegant yet quietly subversive, composed yet undeniably sensual. Fanning’s portrayal makes Catherine more than a historical figure; she becomes a captivating force of nature.
What stands out immediately is her visual allure. Draped in lavish 18th-century costumes, from corseted gowns to opulent tiaras, Fanning embodies royal grace with an edge of rebellion. Her blonde hair and porcelain complexion glow against the rich, candlelit halls, making her both ethereal and arrestingly real. There’s a deliberate contrast between her soft beauty and the savage absurdity of the Russian court, which only enhances her charm — she’s like a rose growing out of a battlefield.
Beyond physical beauty, Catherine's allure is deeply tied to her intellect and independence. She’s a woman who thinks ahead of her time, challenging the patriarchal structure with sly humor and dangerous ideas. This kind of sharpness, paired with her tender vulnerability, creates a uniquely sensual character — one whose power lies in both mind and body. Whether she's plotting a coup or enduring personal heartbreak, her quiet strength is intoxicating.
Ultimately, Elle Fanning’s Catherine is a study in layered femininity — poised but playful, seductive yet cerebral. The show uses her sexuality not as a tool of manipulation, but as a natural extension of her confidence and complexity. It’s this mixture of elegance, boldness, and emotional depth that makes her such an irresistible presence in The Great, commanding attention not just as a ruler, but as a woman who redefines what power can look like.
