Review of The Favourite (2018) by Jonathan B — 21 Jan 2019

Queen Anne is perhaps not one of our better known monarchs despite the fact that during her reign there were some important points in British history. This film, starring the brilliant Olivia Colman may do something to raise the profile of the Queen and the events in her life.

It is a deliciously decadent and comic tale, tinged with melancholia and tragedy. Colman is wonderful as the rather sad, misunderstood and manipulated Queen Anne and this role will do much to bring her talents to a wider audience.

What is refreshing about this movie is that the action really hinges pretty much exclusively on the interplay between the three female leads. Joining Colman in these roles are Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone and the trio clearly relish the parts they are given and have a fantastic on-screen dynamic.

Yorgos Lanthimos directs with a great flair and gusto in the scenes where the excesses of court life are portrayed but also manages to make the intimate, quieter scenes both subtle and genuinely moving.

The costumes are quite simply breathtaking with the full, regency period wigs and ludicrous hats very much on display. This is a movie with complex and satisfying relationships between the protagonists and the devious nature of how courtiers play off against each other in order to gain favour and influence is a delight to watch.

This has to be a leading contender for Oscar nominations and I would expect a few wins later this year.