'Elizabeth: The Golden Age' is a sumptuous historical thriller which sees Cate Blanchett return to the role which brought her to the attention of the world.

Set 15 years after the events depicted in Elizabeth, The Golden Age tells the thrilling tale of an era - the story of one woman’s crusade to control love, crush enemies and secure her position as a beloved icon of the western world.

Growing keenly aware of the changing religious and political tides of late 16th century Europe, Queen Elizabeth finds her rule openly challenged by the Spanish King Philip II - with his powerful army and sea-dominating armada - determined to restore England to Catholicism.

Preparing to go to war to defend her empire, Elizabeth struggles to balance ancient royal duties with an unexpected vulnerability in her love for Sir Walter Raleigh. But he remains forbidden for a queen who has sworn body and soul to her country. Unable and unwilling to pursue her love, Elizabeth encourages her favorite lady-in-waiting, Bess, to befriend Raleigh to keep him near. But this strategy forces Elizabeth to observe their growing intimacy. As she charts her course abroad, her trusted advisor, Sir Francis Walsingham, continues his masterful puppetry of Elizabeth's court at home - and her campaign to solidify absolute power.

Through an intricate spy network, Walsingham uncovers an assassination plot that could topple the throne. But as he unmasks traitors that may include Elizabeth's own cousin Mary Stuart, he unknowingly sets England up for destruction.

Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett is reunited with her director from ELIZABETH, Shekhar Kapur, as well as returning cast member, Academy Award winner Geoffrey Rush. Joining the cast are Academy Award ® nominee Clive Owen, Academy Award ® nominee Samantha Morton and Australian Film Institute winner Abbie Cornish