Orlando (1992), directed by Sally Potter and based on Virginia Woolf’s 1928 novel Orlando: A Biography, is a visually striking and intellectually stimulating film that delves into themes of identity, gender, and time. Featuring a stellar performance by Tilda Swinton in the titular role, the film is a bold and experimental exploration of Woolf’s groundbreaking narrative, which defies conventional notions of gender, class, and sexuality. By seamlessly blending historical fiction, fantasy, and drama, Orlando invites audiences on a transformative journey through centuries, reflecting the fluidity of identity in an ever-changing world.

The story follows Orlando, a young nobleman in Elizabethan England who embarks on an extraordinary journey through time. After receiving a mysterious command from Queen Elizabeth I (played by Quentin Crisp), Orlando undergoes a transformation that sees them shift from a man into a woman, an event that marks the beginning of Orlando’s exploration of gender and self-identity. The film follows Orlando’s life across different periods, from the 16th century to the 20th century, as they navigate the complexities of gender roles, love, and societal expectations.