The Favourite would not be everyone’s cup of
tea. But if you like period piece movies, lavish sets, rich costumes, and
spot-on acting, then this will keep you entertained. My friend and I liked the
whole movie up until the ending. Then we kinda said, “What…? Well, that
was a bit weird.” However, I do not regret my time and energy seeing a matinee.
It’s the early 1700s, and Queen Anne (Golden Globe winner
Oliva Colman) is a crotchety royal with an attitude. Spoiled, fat, and over
indulged, she’s a ridiculous head of state that all the lords and ministers
must maneuver about to get stuff done. England is at war with France, but most
are trying for a truce. Money for the war is tight. Shall they raise the
landowner’s taxes? Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) has the queen’s ear and
affections. She can cajole and work the system to get things done. Then Abigail
(Emma Stone) arrives – she’s Lady Sarah’s down and out cousin who’s pretty,
smart, and conniving. She manages to gain the queen’s favor. Or does she?
That said – let the games/cat fights begin. Colman is superb
as the queen – so fussy and needy. Weisz and Stone lob biting dialogue and
stinging retorts with glee. All three women are just excellent and that’s what
makes the film work with many memorable scenes. The Favourite is
lovely on the big screen with the ornate rooms and grounds of the castle.
Settle in and place your bets on who comes out a winner or loser and is the
favorite after all, and who is a sad mess.
Hi Joanne - I loved it ... but can quite easily see why film buffs don't like it. Our Society's film expert thought it took way too many liberties ... but it gives a thoughtful avant garde take on Queen Anne's life ... historically it's not accurate - but those settings in Hatfield House are quite amazing ... I'm glad it's doing so well - and everyone will get a chance to see it.
ReplyDeleteCheers Hilary
not being up on my English history I was not knowledgeable on Queen Anne's life. However, I've seen plenty of period movies and guessed that it certainly took liberties and yet gave a portrait of that kind of life. All good!
DeleteI'm not sure if this would be my cuppa tea or not, but I'm sure the acting in it is fantastic. If I saw it, it'd have to be with a gal pal, because there's no way I could drag my better half to it. (WHAT? No car chases or adrenaline-pumping fight scenes??? HA!)
ReplyDeleteHave a super weekend.
there are guns - i.e. shooting birds and hinting at more. And there's verbal jousting...does that count?
DeleteI am not into period setting films Joanne but to each their own I say. You wrote a wonderful review.
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend.
Yvonne.
thanks. My friend and I do enjoy the costume dramas, so this was right in our wheelhouse. (No way for Ray)
DeleteI saw the trailer for that when I went to see Bohemian Rhapsody. I love Emma Stone but not sure that flick would be my forte'. Did you see Rami Malek won the Golden Globe too?
ReplyDeleteRami is Golden. This is a tad weird, so maybe wait for it on Netflix.
DeleteIt's sounds like a fun one to see, but I'd probably wait for it on DVD. Nice review!
ReplyDeletethanks. Worth a shot when it's home released.
DeleteSounds like a different one, not sure I'd watch it though.
ReplyDeleteHence, my warning. It's strange at times. But really good acting and I like supporting strong female characters.
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