The Happy Prince (2018) is a haunting and emotionally charged biographical drama that offers a glimpse into the final years of one of literature’s most fascinating and controversial figures, Oscar Wilde. Written and directed by Rupert Everett in his directorial debut, the film paints a poignant portrait of Wilde’s life after his release from prison, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and the inescapable consequences of his past. Featuring standout performances from Everett himself, Colin Firth, Colin Morgan, Emily Watson, Edwin Thomas, and Tom Wilkinson, the film delves into the complexities of Wilde’s character and the tragic decline of a man who once dazzled the world with his wit and brilliance.

Set in the late 19th century, the film follows Oscar Wilde (played by Rupert Everett) in the aftermath of his imprisonment for “gross indecency” due to his homosexuality. Struggling with both his personal demons and the public disgrace that tarnished his reputation, Wilde is depicted as a broken man, living in exile in France. The film portrays his emotional and physical decline, showing the stark contrast between his once-flamboyant, larger-than-life persona and the desolate figure he has become in his final years. Through a series of flashbacks and poignant moments of introspection, The Happy Prince reveals the internal turmoil and the external rejection that Wilde faced after his fall from grace.