When Brazil won the war against Paraguay in 1870, they spared the life, but not the reputation of the woman they claimed was the chief villain in the bloodshed. Irish-born Eliza Lynch, lifetime partner of dictator Francisco Solano López, was painted by Brazil as a puppet master, thief and whore, and in 1991 included alongside Lucretia Borgia and Catherine the Great in a book entitled The World’s Wickedest Women. In Paraguay, the country where she lived as a beloved uncrowned queen, she is a national heroine. Fascinated by the contradiction, Irish academics Michael Lillis and Ronan Fanning embarked on 18 years of research to write a biography which forms the basis of Alan Gilsenan’s unique and compassionate documentary. Blending interviews with re-enactments of Eliza’s life – wonderfully performed by actress Maria Doyle – Gilsenan thoughtfully breathes humanity into a portrait of a much maligned woman.
Where to watch US
Which of these do you already pay for? Type your streaming services and the ones your subscription covers turn green below.
Comma-separated. Saved only in this browser, never sent anywhere.Included in a subscription
-
Fawesome
free
✓ you have this
-
Cineverse
ads
✓ you have this
-
Tubi TV
ads
✓ you have this
On location
No pins on the map for this one yet. Check IMDB filming locations ↗
