At its best when confidently partnering rousing score with dramatic composition, The Golden Age is neither in-depth enough to truly grip nor experimental enough to consistently dazzle. That said, there is much to savour of the costume and the ranging force of Cate Blanchett's performance.

The film deals foremost with the human drama of a conflicted Queen and it does so well enough to interest for the rightly tight runtime. What the film mishandles is the cartoon characterisation of the Spanish, the uncharismatic portrayal of Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen) and the lack of a pace break in its mid-section to keep the blood flowing. Fortunately, for the investing viewer, The Golden Age dishes out more ticks than crosses and whilst a little unbalanced, and arguably “TV” ugly, there is satisfaction – if not complete entertainment – on offer for the audience.

Historians may sneer at the lack of meat in this meal, and dramatists may sneer at the ankle high water of the love-triangle, but that doesn't hold Elizabeth : The Golden Age back from being an evening (mostly) well-spent.

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