The Favourite
{4.5/5} “As it turns out, I’m capable of much unpleasantness.”
The Favourite, released in 2018
Queen Anne is not well and her friend Lady Sarah is basically in charge. Abigail, a cousin of Sarah’s, arrives and gains employment as a servant. She starts out scrubbing floors but Sarah quickly gets her her own room and allows her to serve her and the queen. Meanwhile, England is at war with France and it’s running out of money. Of course, the aristocrats still have time for their duck races.
It takes place in the 18th century. It’s loosely based on what really happened. Lady Sarah’s descendants include Winston Churchill and Lady Diana.
Much of it has a wry sense of humour, but it also has a significant amount of seriousness.
It’s about ruthless people doing whatever it takes to get ahead, and trying to gain the favour of an unpredictable queen. It’s also about 1 or 2 people who want what’s best for their country.
Stars Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Nicholas Hoult. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster). There’s some delightful classical music by people like Bach and Handel.