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The Favourite (2018)
"A perfectly
cut diamond of a movie." - Variety
Director:
Yorgos Lanthimos, rated R for sexual content,
nudity, language
  Starring:
Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, James Smith,
Mark Gatiss, Jenny Rainsford, Jennifer White, Lilly-Rose Stevens
DML Rating:
★★★★★★★★☆☆
- great
"As it turns out, I'm
capable of much unpleasantness." - Abigail Hill
Why watch this?
The monarchy, with all its pomp and dysfunction, fascinates me.
Plot Summary: In
early 18th-century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the
throne while her close confidante, Sarah Churchill, effectively
governs the country in her stead. The arrival of Sarah’s
impoverished cousin, Abigail Hill, upends this dynamic as the
newcomer quickly ingratiates herself into the queen's good
graces. A fierce and deceptive rivalry ensues between the two
women as they ruthlessly compete for the monarch's ultimate
affection and political influence.
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Dad's Preview:
I am becoming a fan of director Yorgos Lathimos (Poor
Things, 2023,
Bugonia,
2025). His films are distinctively his, being
a mixture of absurdist dark humor and sexual overtones.
This film explores feminine power wielded by a British
queen, yet because she is a woman, her most trusted
council comes in the form of strong ladies in her
circle. Here those two women are Sarah Churchill and
Abigail Hill. Their relationship begins as mentor/mentee,
but devolves quickly after a betrayal. Both are using
the Queen to better their station, but they would be
wise to not underestimate the lady Monarch (brilliantly
portrayed by Olivia Colman). This period piece, with
it's long castle hallways and expansive courtyards,
gives us a feeling as to the smallness of humans. That
is, until, we're intimately shown their lives, darkest
desires and petty political squabbles. Then, we see that
most people near the crown were ruthless opportunists. |
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Scarlet
Films, Element Pics, Arcana, Film4,
Waypoint Ent.; Fox Searchlight Pictures
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