The Favourite
classified 15Please note: This was screened in Dec 2019
We’re screening some of 2019’s biggest hits - (re)discover The Favourite, Bait, Amazing Grace, Pain & Glory and If Beale Street Could Talk.
Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer) returned to cinemas in January with this absurdly entertaining farce - a darkly funny court comedy starring Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz as rivals vying for the affection of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman, who picked up a Golden Globe and an Oscar® for her performance).
It's the early 18th century, England is at war with France and Queen Anne's (Colman in the performance of her career) poor health finds her relying on her doting friend Lady Sarah (Weisz). When Abigail (Stone) arrives at the palace, her charm soon wins Anne's attention and Sarah and Abigail become fierce rivals for for the Queen's affections in a wickedly funny game of one-up-womanship.
Filthy and outrageous - expect racing ducks and lobsters, 17 pet bunnies, and great silly dancing in extravagant parties - a conventional royal drama this is not. Grounded in a trio of fabulous performances by its leading ladies, with the men in supporting roles only (Nicholas Hoult and Mark Gatiss are preening, air-headed fops), The Favourite is a film where women rule - what a delight to spend 120 minutes in their company.
View the British Board of Film Certification’s Ratings info for this film