Recently, I was lucky enough to see an advanced screening of Yorgos Lanthimos’s critically acclaimed period dramedy, “The Favourite,” at AMC Boston Common. I heard so many wonderful things about the film, and, if I’m being totally honest, all the praise made me a little anxious that “The Favourite” wouldn’t live up to my high expectations. I’m happy to report, however, that it exceeded those expectations and became not just one of my top films of 2018, but one of my all-time favorite films as well.
The movie centers around the reign of Queen Anne of England (played by Olivia Colman, whose funny yet often sorrowful performance was one of my favorite parts of the movie) in the 18th century and the struggle of two cousins, Sarah Churchill (played by an impeccable Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Hill (portrayed by Emma Stone). The film focuses on the complicated love triangle that exists between these three women, as the two cousins vie not only for Anne’s political allegiance, but also her romantic affections.
I really enjoyed the focus on women within this film. Although there are a few semi-important male characters in the movie, they play a background role to the complex machinations of the relationship between Queen Anne and the two women competing to become her “favourite.” I also loved the balance between humor and drama throughout the film. Finally, I thought the script was incredible, and the direction was truly stellar. I highly recommend seeing this film as soon as possible — it’s amazing!