The Favourite
2018
***½
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, James Smith, Mark Gatiss, Jenny Rainsford
In 1711, two women vie to be the favourite of Queen Anne of Great Britain, who is physically and mentally frail. Lady Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, is the queen's lover and the de facto ruler. Her tainted cousin Abigail Hill arrives at the palace as a scullery maid, but quickly climbs the ranks through her wits and charm. This entertaining dark comedy is based on real events, but its details have been embellished. The film gives us an interesting look at one brief moment in history, but it doesn't add up to much more. The sets and costumes are stunning, but Robbie Ryan's camerawork draws a bit too much attention to itself. Although the entire cast is superb, Olivia Colman was singled out with an Academy Award for her brave performance as Queen Anne.
