Antony and Cleopatra

***Antony and Cleopatra*** is a historical action film based on the relationship between Roman politician/general Mark Antony and Egyptian ruler Cleopatra. It is the fourth film in the **Ancient World Cinematic Universe (AWCU)**, and a spinoff to **The Reign of Caesar**. The film takes place between 35 and 27 BC. It is a tragedy based on the fall of Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

The film stars Tonia Sotiropoulou, Oscar Isaac, William Brent, Nicole Beharie, Tom Hopper, Gina Carano, and Keira Knightley. Like the rest of the AWCU, the film is mostly historically accurate, with some minor adjustments in order to make it cinematic.

## Plot

Tensions between Octavian (William Brent) and Mark Antony (Oscar Isaac) have escalated since the events of **The Reign of Caesar** due to Octavian's land confiscation policies. Marcus Lepidus (Sean Bean), of the third triumvirate, fails to intervene. The policies greatly affect Fulvia (Keira Knightley), who is the wife of Antony and a very powerful woman in Roman politics. Marcus Cicero (Greg Vaughan), still a very powerful senator, is a major opponent to Antony's leadership.

Mark Antony, feeling overwhelmed with tension from Octavian, Lepidus, Cicero and Fulvia, escapes to Egypt, disguised as a slave, to meet his mistress, Cleopatra (Tonia Sotiropoulou), who is now the sole ruler of Egypt. She is accompanied by her advisors/bodyguards, Charmion (Nicole Beharie) and Iras (Anna Diop).

Fulvia hears rumors that Antony is having secret meetings with Cleopatra. Furious and on edge, she declares war on Octavian, with the help of Lucius Antonius (Paul Wesley), to fight his policies and show off to her husband. She attempts to take Rome but ultimately fails in Perusia, and is killed by Octavian's commanders, Marcus Agrippa (Tom Hopper) and Lucius Arruntius.

Octavian and Lepidus call for Mark Antony to return to Rome after threats emerge from the son of Pompey the Great, Sextus Pompey (Charlie Cox) in Sicily. The three agree to terms. Mark Antony demands the death of Marcus Cicero for his opposition. Despite Octavian's neglect, Cicero is killed while trying to flee Rome. In the battlefield against Sextus Pompey, there is major disagreement between Octavian and Mark Antony. The war is ultimately neglected and Antony leaves for Cleopatra. Because of this, Sextus Pompey wins in Messina.

Mark Antony is beaten by Charmion and Iras because Cleopatra heard rumors that he was cheating with Octavia (Ashlynn Yennie), the sister of Octavian. Mark Antony explains himself, and the two quarrel. They eventually make up.

After defeating Sextus Pompey in Nauloco, Octavian demands Mark Antony to return to Rome. Antony, instead, devises a plan with Cleopatra to defeat Octavian in battle. Cleopatra builds up an Egyptian army and, together with Mark Antony, fights Octavian and his forces in Actium on the coast of Greece. Lepidus submits his forces to Octavian.

Octavian gets the upper hand which causes Antony to become desperate and is killed. The armies of Octavian arrive in Alexandría. Cleopatra is taken prisoner. She tries to charm Octavian, but fails. She unleashes an asp, which kills her.

Octavian is named the emperor of Rome. It is hinted that Charmion becomes the new ruler of Egypt in secrecy.

## Cast

* Tonia Sotiropoulou as Cleopatra
* Oscar Isaac as Mark Antony
* William Brent as Octavian
* Nicole Beharie as Charmion
* Anna Diop as Iras
* Tom Hopper as Marcus Agrippa
* Keira Knightley as Fulvia
* Greg Vaughan as Marcus Cicero
* Charlie Cox as Sextus Pompey
* Sean Bean as Marcus Lepidus
* Ashlynn Yennie as Octavia
* Paul Wesley as Lucius Antonius