The latest historical epic from director Ridley Scott proves to be one of his worst films, with Napoleon featuring an uneasy blend of exciting battle scenes alongside dry political drama and cold chemistry between leads Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby.

A constant criticism about Scott’s movies is that they have more style than substance. Napoleon is a prime example of this.

A biopic of legendary 18th century French emperor and military commander Napoleon Bonaparte, the simply titled Napoleon lacks the passion and intrigue that a movie about such a notorious historical figure should have.

Napoleon begins with the title character (played by Joaquin Phoenix) witnessing the execution of Marie Antoinette (Catherine Walker) during the French Revolution. The aspiring Napoleon makes a name for himself by leading the Siege of Toulun against Royalist rebels and would continue his military contests in fierce battles abroad. Political instability in France results in the ever ambitious and popular Napoleon to become emperor. Napoleon’s relationship with his wife Josephine (Vanessa Kirby), meanwhile, becomes turbulent when she is unable to produce an heir to the throne.

Scripted by David Scarpa (The Last Duel), Napoleon plods along as a greatest hits package of the “Little Emperor’s” rise and fall. Scott would have benefited in having the extra time to flesh out his characters and their motives, especially regarding the subplots involving complex political matters. The inconsistent use of accents throughout Napoleon furthermore robs the film of a geographical and cultural identity.

Even more curious are the dull performances from the films’ cast, especially Joaquin Phoenix, who never seemed to inhabit the skin of Napoleon Bonapart, with the Oscar winner’s performance closer in feel to a cosplay version of the iconic historical figure.

Phoenix’s lack of chemistry with Vanessa Kirby is just as woeful, the Oscar nominated actress not given the room to flesh out her character and establish that much needed connection with Phoenix to make the films central love story resonate.    

Amongst all the period setting and battle sequences – which are spectacular in design and execution – it is the romance between Napoleon and Josephine which Scott deemed to be the soul of Napoleon. Unfortunately, Napoleon it is a film that lacks spirit.