Review of Mary Queen of Scots (2018) by Matthew D — 26 Dec 2018

A testament to the strength of a woman who persevered.

Mary Queen of Scots (2018) is a breathtaking biopic of Queen Mary of Scotland filled with shocking intrigue, political treachery, religious turmoil, and romantic entanglement. Writer Beau Willimon wrote a script brimming with scandal, comebacks, and anecdotes. This is the best historical period film from 2018 hands down. The drama is palpable as you are held in deep suspense with every choice word spoken by Mary.

Newcomer director to film Josie Rourke brings a surprising depth of female perspective in her historical drama with a eye for neat visual metaphors. From the silhouettes of Mary and Elizabeth tentatively speaking obscured by sheets to the barren Elizabeth I staring at her shadow longing for a child. Rourke has a keen eye for interesting visual flair.

I loved her subtle camera looks between Mary and a suitor's gaze from the female gaze perspective of Mary. Rourke even showed Elizabeth's red craft work as she is alone to Mary with a red trail of blood from childbirth. Rourke makes a scene of Mary courting a suitor in the Scottish countrysides as interesting as the insurrection battle during the Scottish civil war. She is a talented director.

Furthermore, Rourke uses her close up shots of Saoirse Ronan's face to convey Mary's sadness, discontent over her estranged position, fury for those that betrayed her, and her bravery in speaking for herself in council. Rourke clearly understands the character of Mary Queen of Scots.

Speaking of Mary, Saoirse Ronan gives one of her most mature and complex acting performances in her portrayal of Mary Queen of Scots. Saoirse is stunning with her translucent blue eyes, bright red hair, and intricately detailed blue dresses. Her pained longing for the English monarchy is made apparent by Ronan's gaze. Her Scottish accent is remarkable and impressively distinguished from her natural Irish accent. She uses a strong fierce voice to bring Mary to life as a powerful speaker and standalone historical figure. I adore Saoirse Ronan as an actress already, and she proved why yet again with her outstanding performance in Mary Queen of Scots.

Similarly, Margot Robbie pulls of the turn of the century as the fragile yet immensely powerful monarch Elizabeth I. She is quite entertaining as the manic and hysteric queen afraid to lose her sovereign status, but additionally captures a certain humanity about Elizabeth that feels real. Robbie displays Elizabeth as a conflicted queen desiring an heir and a husband, while crushed under the weight of her responsibility to her council and country. Rourke directed an intriguing parallel between Elizabeth's duty to her council as Mary questioned all advice from her's. I especially appreciated Rourke showing Elizabeth's regret and sorrow over executing Mary. Her sympathy and admiration for Mary yielded some of the most fascinating moments in Mary Queen of Scots.

From Max Richter's gorgeous score to the costume department's even more lavish garments, Mary Queen of Scots is a feast for the eyes. The natural Scottish landscape to royal palaces are matched in beauty by only Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie themselves. The decadent set design, color scheme of deep blues against bright reds, and lovely hair patterns all meld into a stunning piece of cinematic art. Mary Queen of Scots is certainly the best looking movie of 2018.

Lastly, I have to give praise for several exemplary supporting actors. Guy Pearce made a brilliant return as a subtle and calculating Sir William Cecil as he cunningly advised Elizabeth I. David Tennant personifies the furious and indignant John Knox with a brilliant reverence for the craft of acting. Joe Alwyn gave a nice supporting role as Elizabeth's love interest Robert Dudley. Finally, Jack Lowden's performance as the meek alcoholic womanizer and bisexual Lord Darnley has to be seen to be believed. He really captures a lot of different aspects to his character.

In all, Mary Queen of Scots has instantaneously usurped itself into my favorite films of 2018 list. Rourke's steadfast and innovative direction alongside Saoirse Ronan's enchanting transformation into Mary Queen of Scots is a must see!