The Favourite follows Abigail Hill, a genteel woman fallen on hard times, who comes to the residence of Queen Anne to seek employment from Lady Marlborough, her cousin. Lady Marlborough (also known as Sarah Churchill), is the Queen right-hand woman, exerting a huge amount of influence over the sickly, often befuddled monarch. Abigail sees an opportunity to rise from her current destitution, and works to replace Sarah in the Queen's affections.
Lanthimos' film is similar to Amadeus in its approach to history. It is not about educating people regarding a particular person or moment, but instead takes a situation - here, the close relationships Queen Anne had with these two women - and spins a darkly funny, beautifully designed tale of ambition, power and friendship. It does not matter whether Olivia Colman's Anne is at all like the historical person, or whether she had sexual relationships with Abigail and Sarah. What does matter is the depth of the performances, and the gorgeous crafting of the world of Queen Anne's court.
The three main performances are wonderful - not unexpected from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone or Rachel Weisz, three of my favourite actors working today. The shifting dynamics between their characters feels like a beautifully choreographed dance, as Stone's Abigail and Weisz's Sarah seek to outwit one another. Olivia Colman is absolutely brilliant as Anne whose life is beset with physical pain (an attack of gout happens early on) and deep emotional trauma (17 dead children, some miscarriages, some dead in infancy; that is going to scar you).
All the elements of this film work really well together, from the witty script which feels true enough to early 18th century England, without being stilted, to the beautifully detailed costumes. The score has period appropriate music as well as avant-garde strings, which adds to the claustrophobic atmosphere.
The Favourite is not a history lesson, nor is it your typical costume drama (though there is nothing wrong with those). What it is is a humorous, at times shocking tale of ambition, desire, and the lust for power that lies behind politics. It is arguably Lanthimos' most accessible film to date, but that does not mean it is any less captivating or complex in its themes than his other films.
The favourite has not arrived in Denmark yet (typical), but when it does get here I want to see it. Your review just confirms my expectations.
ReplyDeleteI hope it lives up to them when you get to see it! I think it will end up on the 1000+ list, Oscar nominated films often do.
DeleteI'm a bit of a history buff and I've been pretty excited to see this because poor Queen Anne is NOT one of the British monarchs who gets a movie very often, if ever. I was figuring I'd have to see it on cable or online, but since it was nominated for Best Picture, it will probably be in theaters a bit longer (It's still at the local Laemmle!) and I might be able to catch it early in February before it's gone!
ReplyDeleteI was worried I wouldn't get to see it in cinemas either, but like you its stayed on at my local. The Oscars are good for some things!
DeleteHopefully its lack of historical veracity will not dampen you enjoyment of it!
I enjoyed it immensely! Before I saw it, I was rooting for Vice to win the Best Picture Oscar. But after … Well, I still like Vice a lot, but I think I would give it to The Favourite, but just by a hair!
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