Read Ashley B's review of Mary Queen of Scots.
Mary Queen of Scots explores the turbulent life of Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne alongside her cousin Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie), who rules as England’s Queen. Rivals in power and in love, and female monarchs in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.
Mary Queen of Scots is in select theaters on December 7th, 2018.
Mary Queen of Scots is the story of Mary Stuart who became the Queen of France at 16 and widowed by 18. She returns to her home country of Scotland to reclaim her throne there while under the pressure to get remarried. Her very existence threatens the reign of Queen Elizabeth I in England, who is also under constant scrutiny because of her lack of marriage. Can these two young Queen handle the constant power struggle around them or are they doomed to succumb to it?
While you may know the historical story behind Mary Stuart this film does a great job at building the suspense leading up to the end of her life. There are several scenes and dialogue that will have you taken aback yet glued to the screen to see what will happen next. It is almost like watching a soap opera from the 1500s.
The performances by both female leads are outstanding as their curiosity about the other turns them into flat out frenemies without them even meeting for years. The drama surrounding both of their characters was transformed into something almost palpable as their power struggle seemed to drive them both in a borderline maniacal obsession for over twenty years. While they have two differing ways of showing it, their performances were ones to be recognized.
As usual with movies like this there is some fluff added to it to make it more interesting and even juicier than all the drama this story includes. While it was not completely off putting I could not help but think why they added some of it to a story that has enough rebellion, betrayal and suspense to keep you interested without the added fluff.
Still Mary Queen of Scots is one to see if you enjoy movies about history or enjoy watching just how far people will go to protect the image they want to portray. With two stellar performances by the leads as queens you cannot help but wonder what other roles they might rule wonderfully at.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Ashley (Contributing Editor) is an Orlando native who loves watching movies. Her favorite genres include comedies, thrillers and sci-fi.Click Here to check out Ashley's Articles.