The Libertine (2004)

Set amid the flamboyant excess of the 1660 English Restoration, "The Libertine" paints a decadent portrait of John Wilmot, the second Earl of Rochester, a 17th-century poet infamous for his hedonistic lifestyle and scandalous exploits. With the return of Charles II to the throne, England emerges from its puritanical slumber, birthing a new era where art, science, theater, and unbridled sensuality intertwine in a mesmerizing dance of freedom. Summoned from exile by Charles II amidst a tumult of political and economic strife, Wilmot, a notorious libertine powered by whisky-soaked wit and a cynical pen, is tasked to create a play that will amuse the French ambassador. In the vibrant heartbeat of London's playhouses, he stumbles upon the aspiring actress Elizabeth Barry. Captivated by her raw talent and unpolished charm, Wilmot pledges to transform her into a star of unparalleled brilliance, a decision that entwines their fates in a passionate yet tumultuous affair. As Wilmot navigates the treacherous waters of royal favor and courtly intrigue, his indulgence in debauchery and alcoholism culminates in a shocking fall from grace during the performance for the King and the French ambassador. Wilmot's life spirals into a desperate abyss of syphilis and self-destruction, leading him on a transformative journey from being a symbol of moral corruption to a man seeking redemption in religion. "The Libertine" is a provocative exploration of a man who, despite living a life marred by excess and scandal, leaves behind an enduring legacy of literary genius, gaining posthumous acclaim for his life's work. It's a tale of passion, decadence, and redemption set against the unforgettable backdrop of a nation caught in the throes of transformation.

The Libertine is a drama movie featuring Johnny Depp and directed by Laurence Dunmore.

The Libertine is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Peacock, Peacock Premium, Shout! Factory TV, The Roku Channel and Tubi TV and it's also available on Hoopla and Hulu.

It is also possible to buy The Libertine on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Redbox, Vudu and YouTube.