Typically it is quite common to see period films, or more to the point, ones that are based on a 16th or 18th century piece, during the end of the year film season. Even though "The Favourite" was released the end of 2018, it was only in select cities. The one thing that makes this a bit different than its counterparts is that it is a drama/comedy as opposed to a straight out drama, however that didn't, on its own, help this story.
Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail, problematic Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen's companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.
Others to round out the cast are Nicholas Hoult as Harley, Joe Alwyn as Masham, James Smith as Godolphin, Mark Gatiss as Lord Marlborough, Edward Aczel as Earl of Stratford and Carolyn Saint-Pe as Madame Tournee.
This was quirkily directed by Yorgos Lanthimos ("My Best Friend" '01, "Kinetta" '05, "Dogtooth" '09, "Alps" '11, "Venice 70: Future Reloaded" (documentary) '13, "The Lobster" '15, "The Killing of a Sacred Deer" '17) plus shorts. One may not agree with the quirky storylines this director ventures into, however he brings a freshness and reality to the characters his actors end up portraying. This isn't based on any one particular person in history, but probably could. His films are bizarre, but delineated well in its direction. He will continue to produce more work. It was bizarrely written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara ("The Rage in Placid Lake" '03, "Ashby" '15) plus tons of TV and a short. Sometimes I feel that writers are bent on writing a screenplay that is as bizarre as they can make it in lieu of creating a truly original and fresh storyline. At least I feel that's what I got when I saw this film. Notably, Davis has top billing over McNamara even though she has no other experience. And although McNamara has a ton of TV experience, he only has two films under his belt. Their writing skill is correct, however their style is obscure as they come. One thinks they are getting an ensemble cast of characters that have a certain persona and viola!, the script smacks the audience across the face catching them off guard. While the scrip is bizarre as the come, the storyline still had moments of choppiness and some lack of cohesiveness. I've said before and I'll say it again, Hollywood needs to pay a little more and get some seasoned writers that have an impressive track record. Now, as far as the acting, it is no surprise that Olivia Colman won the Golden Globe Award. She was brilliant in her role, but even her performance and that of Weisz and Stone could not save the storyline.
Assuming that you're attracted to small, original, quirky, bizarre independent films, this is one you will revel in, however this was not made for the mass audience appeal--this was rated R for a reason. So if you are more into mainstream, formulaic commercial films, you might want to flag this one. I guess it comes down to, just how gutsy are you? You be the judge.
Out of 4 Stars: 2 Rated: R 119mins.
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