Read Ashley B's review of The Favourite.
Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time-consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.
The Favourite is in select theaters on November 23rd, 2018.
The Favourite is set during early 1700s England as they are at war against France. Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is the throne’s occupant and her close friend/favorite Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) leads most of the country’s affairs as the Queen is physically and mentally unstable. When Lady Sarah’s cousin Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) arrives the position of favorite is up for grabs. Just how far are Lady Sarah and Abigail willing to go to be the favorite?
Unlike most period films this movie is filled with comedy and sass. From the beginning this tone is set and there were laughs heard during the majority of the Favourite’s screen time. Some of it did not necessarily fit with what is generally thought of during the time period so it felt like watching an extended yet transfixing episode of Drunk History. This was not a bad thing at all because it held my attention despite being two hours.
The main reason for this maximized attention was the three main actresses’ performances. While the two characters competed for the affections of the Queen, all three vied to be the favorite of the viewer. It was truly a sight to see as they each absolutely gave their characters their all and nailed every second of it.
I did not like how some scenes seemed introduced then unfinished or left to the audience’s interpretation. Also the ending, although true to the director Yorgos Lanthimos style, left more to be desired and was somewhat of a let down although not the worst I have ever seen.
The cast of the Favourite truly make this film into a film worth watching. The unlikely sass mixed with performances that yearn for viewers’ favoritism leave you with a feeling that the movie was one big conniving and satirical wink.
Rating: 3.5 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.