The Favourite (2018)

Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos

Written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara 

Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Nicholas Hoult 

There are three reasons I watched this movie; it was free on a plane, I am a sucker for anything with Emma Stone and Olivia Colman gave one of the most endearing acceptance speeches ever at the Oscars. With those factors in mind, I went into it pretty optimistic. 

The film takes place in early 18th century as the country of England is at war with the French and an ill Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne. By her side is her friend, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) who basically governs the country for the Queen while simultaneously tending to her poor health and bad temper. Then enters a new servant, Abigail (Emma Stone) who is charming and quickly becomes a new companion to the Queen as Lady Sarah is consumed by the politics of the ongoing war. 

I do not know much about the history behind Queen Anne or even 18th century England for that matter, however the story told by Lanthimos is quite interesting to watch. The movie is divided into eight different acts, and while the acts tended to drag on a little too long sometimes, I still remained attentive because of the three main women. The Favourite relies heavily on the characters and their intricate relationships with one another. You almost forget there is a war raging on outside of those royal hallways because these women's personalities are so bold you notice nothing else. 

Hats off to Olivia Colman for this performance. I'm not sure how accurate Lanthimos made this to Queen Anne's real personality but Colman made her such a fun character. Her random outbursts at the servants, her anger, her sadness, her giddy for playing with bunnies. She truly ran the gamut of emotions with this character and did it brilliantly. The supporting performances by Weisz and Stone were also very compelling and complemented Olivia Colman pleasantly. 

While the acting may get the gold, the costume and set design deservedly get the silver. I cant say with utter confidence what bedrooms looked like in the 18th century, or what Queens wore-- but if I had to make a guess this would be it! It was all beautiful, right down to the white wigs the men wore. I'm not always a big fan of period pieces from centuries ago, and that is not a diss at the wonderful aspects of this movie, it is just a personal preference. Perhaps that is why I wasn't always one hundred percent engaged, but the acting was fantastic nonetheless. Another great performance from Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz and lets hope the start of bigger and better things for Olivia Colman.

7/10