An unconventional period drama
The Favourite is a period drama that is nothing but conventional. It follows Olivia Coleman as the domineering yet illogical Queen Anne and her confidant and head of the Royal householdSarah, Dutchess of Marlborough (played by Rachel Weisz) as they rule their kingdom together. Their peace is disrupted when Abigail (Emma Stone) Sarah’scousin, shows up covered in mud at the Castle doorstep eager to work for her.
The Favourite not only has a killer cast of female leads, but it is directed by acclaimed auteur Yorgos Lanthimos, who is known for his sometimes aggressive form of absurdism in his films The Lobster, The Killing of A Sacred Deer and Dogtooth. This film is no different in terms of his distinct style. The Greek Tragedy style of this film is especially fitting to the drama that ensues throughout and he has a knack of leaving the audience stunned by disorientating them into believing something truly frightening is going to happen in each scene.
Other than the witty dialogue, I absolutely loved the conflict surrounding the characters plots against each other. Initially, Sarah and Queen Anne’s relationship seems completely unbreakable, but when Abigail suddenly gains the Queen’s attention, Sarah begins to question whether Abigail is really the humble, naïve cousin she thought she had. Sarah, initially the almost hateful figure at the beginning of the film, begins to strip these layers of hatred back to reveal a character more emotional and someone who is capable of being hurt and upset.
The first time we are introduced to Abigail she is covered in mud, had to beg for a job and even got whipped in the process, but as we see her winning over the Queen’s attention she becomes manipulative and evil, she has the Queen wrapped around her little finger and Sarah is left for dead…almost.
I truly believe this film is a must see. The witty dialogue, fisheye lenses and low and high angles to suggest the characters inner conflict are extremely engaging to watch. Everything looks both theatrical yet grim and it fits in perfectly with the characters’ emotional and physical state.