Review of The Favourite (2018) by The3Academysins — 02 Dec 2018

I have always admired the films of Yorgos Lanthimos. While The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer are not for everyone, The Favourite is hands down his most accessible film, and one of the best films I have seen in 2018. Lanthimos has finally nailed his aesthetic, and the script, performances, directing, and cinematography come together to create a modern masterpiece on the nature of love and power.

Visually, The Favourite is stunning to look at. Shot only under natural light, the period set and costumes come alive with a complexity and detail not often found outside of paintings. Lanthimos masterfully uses perspective to inform the audience on the emotions and goals of the characters.

Speaking of the characters, the acting is incredibly funny and realistic. All of the characters are complex and well-developed. Rachel Weisz plays what might be her most juicy part to date, and Emma Stone steps up her acting game as well. Olivia Colman stole the show for me as an incredibly vulnerable queen who acts like a spoiled child, but truly just wants to find love. The supporting performance by Nicholas Hoult stands out, and he is devilishly funny and alive.

The script by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara is all at once a sweeping epic and an intimate character study. The story the tell blends imperceptibly with Lanthimos's directorial style. The script has a alot to say, and leaves you with an ending that will be talked about by audiences everywhere. If you see one movie in 2018, make it The Favourite.