Marval Movie

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.