I’ve always been a history buff and I’ve had my consumption of historical fiction care of Philippa Gregory and of course, whatever period film I could get my hands on but there is nothing like Yorgos Lanthimos’ “The Favourite”. His vision creates a never before seen wicked, scandalous and witty period film told through the ambitious use of wide angle lenses, camera pans, extravagant set pieces, detailed props and costumes and I haven’t even begun to praise the applause worthy performances of the cast.
In 18th Century England, Queen Anne (Olivia Coleman) is only Queen in name as it is her favoured lady in Court Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weis) who whispers into the Queen’s ears, influencing her in delicate issues of the state, given the current war with France. Things shake up with the arrival of Abigail (Emma Stone), Sarah’s cousin who has been on a bit of a dry spell (thanks to her Father’s gambling habits) and is looking for employment in the Queen’s household, to which Sarah graciously gives her.
Turns out this was a mistake, as Abigail, eager to return to her lost status will do anything to get on the good side of the ailing (gout) Queen, even if that means “dethroning” her cousin Sarah.
The heart of the film, is the deadly love triangle between Queen Anne, Sarah and Abigail with all three actresses delivering performances worthy of all the raves and accolades. Coleman is a petulant Queen, who screams at page boys and throws tantrums worse than a two year old.
Yet underneath her petty meltdowns and unreasonable demands is a poor soul, who has forever been surrounded by people who lie to her for their own gains, who only pretend to love her because she is in power. There is much sadness to her that she hides under extravagant games and parties. Indeed in the end, she is the one you would most feel sorry for and Olivia Coleman delivers in her performance, one minute she is a screaming baby wanting attention, the next she is a miserable woman, truly alone.
Sarah (Weisz) is an ice Queen, herself, you would not get on her bad side, which is what the rest of the Court avoided, since she did have the Queen’s ear. She used her history with the Queen to manipulate her and decide on matters of State (prolonging a war with France, which Sarah’s husband is leading).
Abigail (Stone), seeing an opportunity to raise herself skillfully works her way in the Queen’s eyes (and bed) -she plays innocent, with her wide blue eyes but is anything but.
Within the web of lies and deceit, the story is also masterfully told through the use of unique camera angles and exquisite set pieces, the musical score is thrilling and beautiful as well, making the whole cinematic experience an artistic one and enjoyable one.
9/10 – “The Favourite” has been nominated for ten Oscars for 2019, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress (two nominations), Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing, and Best Production Design.
Don’t miss “The Favourite” when it screens in Ayala Malls Cinemas on Feb. 20.