Review of Victoria & Abdul (2017) by Wayne K — 21 Nov 2017

As much as it might try and sanitise history and paint certain characters in an unjustly angelic light, Victoria & Abdul is bolstered by its excellent performances and genuine emotional heft. Dame Judy Dench unofficially reprises her role as Queen V from Mrs.

Brown, and instils the character with dignity and grace but also a somewhat mischievous sense of humour and a weariness about the sycophantic, selfish and status-seeking staff which surround her and dictate her increasingly tiresome and unsatisfying life.

It's made very clear why she would take on a servant like Abdul, and why she grew to like and even depend on him, since he was the only one who treated her with civility for no reason other than he respected her.

Her entourage of schemers are also brilliantly played, sniping and ruthless in their quest to have their newest edition removed as soon as possible. The concluding scenes are some of the best acted I've seen this year, and there's really no parts of it which feel weak or seem to drag it down.

It's a solid period drama with beautiful settings, warmth and unexpected humour.