Page 95 - All About History - Issue 72-18
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THE FAVOURITE
Ahilariousyetemotiveperioddrama
that breaks all the rules of its genre
Certificate 15 Creator Yorgos Lanthimos Cast Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz,
Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn Released 1January 2019(UK)
standing thanks to her father’s reckless gambling. Sarah is well aware that the power she relishes
Sarah gives her a job in the palace kitchens, is dependent on Anne and so she often had
unaware that Abigail is willing to do anything to to mollify her and although the audience is
get back to the top. only given mere glimpses, it is clear that their
It is a rarity in cinema to see a film led by relationship goes beyond friendship.
three women, Queen Anne played by Colman, One of the most poignant moments of the
Sarah Churchill by Weiss, and Abigail Masham film occurs during a conversation between Anne
by Stone, let alone a period piece. and Abigail, discussing the queen’s devotion to
The triangle between Anne, Sarah and Abigail her pet rabbits. As the audience discovers these
provides an interesting dynamic against a rabbits represent the 17 children Anne has lost
backdrop of political intrigue and war, which either through miscarriage or stillbirth.
manages to keep you captivated for the entire It is evokes both heartbreak and sympathy for
film. Refreshingly, it is great to see that none the queen, who spends the majority of her days
of these female characters assume the typical being wheeled around the palace as she suffers
hen it comes to the silver screen, films victim or femme fatale roles, but rather they are from crippling attacks of gout.
set in 18th century England are few all shown to be complicated women fighting Bawdy, dramatic, funny and emotional
and far between, and one monarch for power and love in a man’s world – rather all rolled into one, The Favourite is certainly
who is consistently overlooked is than just sat around gossiping over tea, they are unconventional for a period drama.
WQueen Anne, the last of the Stuart shooting and hunting just as well as any of their The film is peppered throughout with
dynasty. Yet if there is one thing The Favourite male counterparts. swearing and moments of obscenity, driving
proves it is that Anne’s reign deserves to be Speaking of the male characters, particularly home the point that Lanthimos clearly did not
shone in the spotlight. Lord Harley and Lord Godolphin, it is want it to fit into the stereotypical politeness
The film centres around Queen Anne, played entertaining to see them rely on Abigail and that usually defines this genre of
by Colman, and the two women who compete Sarah in order to gain the elusive access to the movie – and should appeal to
for her favour – Sarah Churchill, Duchess of queen – and to the power – that they need. anyone who enjoys an engaging
Marlborough, played by Weisz, and Abigail Colman is mesmerising as Queen Anne, a historical drama.
Funny,
Masham, played by Stone. character who spends the majority of the film Visually stunning, The Emotional,
Abigail arrives at court as Sarah’s cousin and acting like a spoilt child – largely due to the Favourite will keep you Well-paced
a former lady, who has lost her fortune and fact that Sarah has infantilised her. However, gripped right to the end. JL
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