The Favourite (2018) Review: A Scintillating Courtroom Drama with a Dark Twist
Introduction
The Favourite (2018), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is a critically acclaimed period drama that offers a fresh and darkly comedic take on the power struggles within the British court of the early 18th century. Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, the film explores themes of ambition, manipulation, and desire in a meticulously crafted historical setting. This review delves into the film’s plot, performances, direction, and thematic elements, as well as where you can stream or purchase it in the United States.
Plot Overview
Set in early 18th-century England, The Favourite centers on the complex relationships between Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), her confidante Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), and a new servant, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone). The story unfolds in a lavish court where power and influence are as valuable as gold.
As Queen Anne’s health declines, Lady Sarah manages the queen’s affairs and wields significant political power behind the scenes. The arrival of Abigail, with her own ambitions and manipulative strategies, introduces a new dynamic into the court. Abigail’s schemes to gain favor with the queen lead to a fierce rivalry between her and Sarah, culminating in a power struggle that has far-reaching consequences for all three women.
Performances
Olivia Colman: Olivia Colman delivers a tour de force performance as Queen Anne, portraying the monarch with a blend of vulnerability, petulance, and underlying strength. Colman’s nuanced portrayal captures the queen’s emotional instability and the complexities of her relationships with Lady Sarah and Abigail, earning her widespread acclaim and an Academy Award for Best Actress.
Emma Stone: Emma Stone shines as Abigail Hill, the ambitious servant who manipulates her way into the queen’s favor. Stone’s performance is both captivating and multifaceted, showcasing her character’s cunning, desperation, and ultimate ruthlessness. Her dynamic with Colman and Weisz adds depth and intensity to the film’s central conflict.
Rachel Weisz: Rachel Weisz plays Lady Sarah Churchill, the queen’s influential confidante and political operator. Weisz’s performance is marked by sophistication and strength, portraying Lady Sarah as both a skilled strategist and a deeply emotional individual. Her interactions with Stone’s Abigail add layers of intrigue and tension to the story.
Direction and Cinematography
Direction: Yorgos Lanthimos directs The Favourite with his signature dark humor and subversive style. Lanthimos’s direction ensures that the film’s exploration of power, manipulation, and desire is both engaging and thought-provoking. His ability to blend historical drama with biting satire and sharp dialogue creates a unique and memorable cinematic experience.
Cinematography: Cinematographer Robbie Ryan’s work on the film is notable for its use of wide-angle lenses and dynamic framing, which enhance the film’s visual style and contribute to its distinctive atmosphere. The cinematography effectively captures the opulence of the court and the tension between the characters, adding to the film’s immersive quality.
Themes and Impact
The Favourite explores themes of power, manipulation, and ambition within the context of a historical court. The film delves into the personal and political machinations that drive the characters’ actions, highlighting the ways in which individuals navigate and exploit power dynamics for their own gain.
The film’s impact lies in its sharp and insightful portrayal of these themes, as well as its ability to combine historical drama with dark comedy. The Favourite challenges traditional representations of historical figures and court politics, offering a fresh and provocative perspective on the nature of power and influence.
The film has been praised for its strong performances, clever script, and distinctive visual style. The Favourite stands out as a compelling and original entry in the period drama genre, offering audiences a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic experience.
Where to Watch
As of now, The Favourite (2018) is available for streaming on platforms like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. For those interested in renting or purchasing the film, it can also be found on Vudu, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies, available in HD and 4K formats. These options ensure that viewers can enjoy this critically acclaimed film with ease.
Conclusion
The Favourite (2018) is a scintillating and darkly comedic period drama that offers a fresh and provocative take on the power struggles within a historical court. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and featuring outstanding performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, the film provides a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of ambition, manipulation, and desire. Whether revisiting this acclaimed film or discovering it for the first time, The Favourite offers a richly engaging and memorable cinematic experience.
