The Exception (2016) is a romantic war drama directed by David Leveaux, based on Alan Judd's novel The Kaiser’s Last Kiss. The film stars Jai Courtney, Lily James, and Christopher Plummer, and blends historical drama with a personal, suspenseful romance. Set during World War II, the story follows Captain Stefan Brandt (Jai Courtney), a German Wehrmacht officer who is assigned to serve as the bodyguard for the exiled Kaiser Wilhelm II (Christopher Plummer). The Kaiser lives in a secluded estate in the Netherlands, after being deposed following Germany's defeat in World War I. Brandt's mission is to ensure the safety of the aging monarch, who still harbors hopes of returning to power, and to monitor him for any potential anti-Nazi sentiment or subversive activities. While at the Kaiser's estate, Brandt meets Mieke de Jong (Lily James), a young and mysterious Dutch maid working there. Despite their initial differences, the two develop a passionate romance. However, it is soon revealed that Mieke is secretly Jewish and working as part of the Dutch Resistance, adding layers of tension to their relationship. As Nazi officials, including the infamous Heinrich Himmler, visit the estate to meet the Kaiser, Brandt must navigate his growing love for Mieke, his duty to the Reich, and his own moral dilemmas. The plot thickens as loyalties are tested and secrets are revealed, leading to a suspenseful and emotionally charged climax.
