Review of Mary Queen of Scots (2018) by Sally H — 18 Jan 2019

Spectacularly beautiful in its sweeping landscapes and costume design, and a steely yet vulnerable performance by Ronan. However the imposition 21st century inclusiveness of people of color in both the Scottish and English courts is historically inaccurate, as was the imagined meeting between Mary and Elizabeth, which never took place.

I agree with critics that to make the drier aspects of history more lively, the screenwriter/director utilized overlay of diabolical men thwarting "good female rulers", and again this is not wholly correct.

Both these female rulers were ruthless in their single-mindedness to retain sovereignty. The film came off more as "if only nasty men did not interfere with the good intentions of women". Nevertheless and enjoyable film despite the slow pacing.