Review of Mary Queen of Scots (2018) by William S — 23 Dec 2018

Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots, was a fascinating woman who lived an equally fascinating life, in one of the most fascinating periods of history. Its only fitting then that her story should be the subject of multiple film adaptations, of which this is the most recent. Whether it's an improvement on its predecessors is up for debate.

By far this film's greatest asset is its talented leads. Margot Robbie is excellent as Queen Elizabeth. Ronan is absolutely masterful as Mary. It's the force of their wills (both as actresses and characters) that carries the entire enterprise. As Mary, Ronan is by turns fiery and restrained, sharp tongued and subdued, but always sure of herself, and never content to let anyone or anything stand between her and her goals. Robbie is equally regal, commanding, and strong willed, even stubborn as Elizabeth.

Although the two don't meet until the end of the movie, their rivalry and competing designs form the most compelling conflict by far. Their carefully worded letters and calculated offers form a genteel yet fraught cat and mouse game as compelling as any modern investigative drama or cops and robbers movie. Their interplay actually reminds me of Pacino and De Niro in Heat. Each knows the other is plotting against them, and is equally aware of their plots, but can directly challenge the other, for fear of giving themselves away and starting a war between their kingdoms.

And when they finally do meet, their confrontation is magnificent. Though it starts cautiously and oh so courteously, so much fear, pride, and bottled up resentments surface at an increasing rate until one is fully undone, with her life firmly in the other's hand. The trailers may have given away much of the scene, but viewed in its complete state it still retains its full impact.

That's the good. Now for the bad. There are a number of historical inaccuracies, mainly involving the timing and nature of the various intrigues within the Scottish court, as well as the portrayals of certain supporting characters. Nor can it be said that most of these changes are for the sake of clarity or simplicity, as the plot is quite convoluted, delivering repeated twists faster than many viewers can properly take them in. The schemes of her nobles and the drama of her failing marriage are all quite interesting, but for once I have to criticize this movie for being too tightly paced.

More regrettable are the sex scenes. Besides being entirely unnecessary, they're both too explicit for many casual viewers, and yet not explicit enough to titillate. They're also the only real reason for the film's R rating, which likely cost it much of its potential audience. And I have no idea why the writer's felt the need to add a gay subplot with no historical basis.

On the other hand, this is a beautiful movie to look at. No expense has been spared on the costumes and make-up, which are gorgeous and largely historically accurate. The set pieces are likewise excellent, befitting the use of actual castles and palaces as locations. And the film's one major battle scene is rather short, but well-staged and quite dramatic. All around the production values are very good.

It is regrettable that this production's screenplay didn't stick closer to its source material, and the timing of its release- just before the similar but so far better received.

The Favorite- is most unfortunate. But, for all its flaws, Mary Queen of Scots is a wonderfully acted character study and richly nuanced relational drama which should mostly satisfy fans of period dramas and strong female leads.