Watch The Favourite

"The Favourite" is a dark historical comedy-drama that revolves around the politics, power play, and scandalous rivalries in the British Royal Court during the early 18th century. The movie is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, who is known for creating offbeat and unconventional films like "Dogtooth" and "The Lobster." The film boasts an impressive cast, including Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, Emma Stone as Abigail Masham, and Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah Churchill.

At the heart of the movie is the tempestuous relationship between Queen Anne and Lady Sarah Churchill, who is not only the Queen's closest confidante but also her lover. Sarah controls the Queen's every move, including her political decisions and personal life. However, the balance of power is threatened when Abigail Masham, Sarah's impoverished cousin, arrives at the court seeking employment. Abigail quickly wins over the Queen's affections and starts to employ cunning tactics to disentangle Sarah's hold on the Queen. As their rivalry intensifies, the movie takes unpredictable turns, exposing the ruthless nature of these historical figures and their complex motivations.

The film portrays the highly stylized world of the 18th-century English aristocracy, which is depicted as being obsessed with power, wealth, and status. The richly textured and opulent production design of the movie creates a vivid visual spectacle that reflects the decadent and ostentatious nature of the times. The ornate costumes, powdered wigs, and intricate sets serve as a captivating backdrop to the scheming and conniving that ensues.

Despite the film's period setting, the themes of the movie are highly relevant to contemporary society, particularly in terms of gender and class struggles. The movie delves deeply into the power dynamics between women in power and the societal expectations that they have to navigate - what happens when a woman is too assertive or too submissive? What happens when she is too ambitious, or when she lets her desires cloud her judgment? Through the complex relationships between the Queen, Sarah, and Abigail, the movie explores the different ways that women navigate social hierarchies and the restrictions placed on them by the male-dominated society.

The performances of the three lead actors in "The Favourite" are outstanding, and the film's success is due, in large part, to their performances. Olivia Colman delivers a career-defining performance as Queen Anne, portraying her as a complex and multi-dimensional character, who is both deeply vulnerable and fiercely powerful. Her portrayal of the mental and physical fragility of the Queen is both heart-wrenching and humorous, and she deserves all the accolades she received for her performance. Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz are also excellent in their respective roles as Abigail and Lady Sarah, and their chemistry is electric, making their rivalry all the more compelling.

The film's direction is also noteworthy, as Yorgos Lanthimos' quirky and unorthodox approach to storytelling adds a unique flavor to the movie. The unconventional camera angles, unexpected editing, and disorienting use of music and sound design create a sense of unease and unpredictability that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. The film's dark humor and satirical tone also fuel the narrative, making the characters' cruel and self-serving actions all the more hilarious and disturbing.

Overall, "The Favourite" is a highly entertaining and thought-provoking film that showcases excellent performances, stunning visuals, and incisive storytelling. Its depiction of the political machinations and sexual politics of the 18th century royal court is as relevant today as it was then, and its examination of the female experience in a patriarchal society remains a relevant and pressing topic. It's a must-see for anyone who enjoys period dramas, unconventional storytelling, and powerhouse performances.

The Favourite is a 2018 history movie with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 91.