In the bruised body and psyche of Queen Anne of Great Britain (1665-1714), the last Stuart sovereign, prone to bouts of gout and tears, to episodes of binge eating and abysmal depression, Olivia Colman, all in flesh (she gained 17 kilos for the role), showcases the immense range of her acting. And finds one of her first major roles in cinema.
Just witness this scene where the limping monarch watches her favorite, the beautiful Lady Churchill, dance from her wheelchair… Not a single word is spoken, yet everything is conveyed in a single glance: sadness, desire, wonder, jealousy.
It is the early 18th century at the court of Anne of England (Olivia Colman), the last monarch of the House of Stuart, whose health is frail and character unstable. It is her friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) who governs the country in her stead.
Then a new servant arrives, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), whom Lady Sarah believes will be her ally, but who will become the queen’s favorite. A position of trust she will not share… It’s a war of women at the court of England, full of court intrigues…
A Baroque 18th-century soundtrack, brilliant and fragile dialogues, three masterful feminine performances worthy of the Oscars, and the setting of Queen Anne’s English court, are enough to make this film an absolute triumph!!
Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos had received the screenplay award at Cannes two years ago for “The Killing of a Sacred Deer.” He returns with a new film, “The Favourite,” which has already scooped seven awards at the BAFTAs, a Golden Globe, and a prize at the Venice Film Festival (each time with an award for Olivia Colman).
