The Favourite (2018) Movie Review

The film revolves around the intriguing dynamics among British Royals in the Royal Palace. Despite its grandeur, the palace is essentially a battleground for power and love, mirroring Lanthimos' distinct storytelling playground.

"The Favourite" loosely follows the story of Queen Anne, portrayed brilliantly by Olivia Colman. Anne resides with her trusted companion, Lady Sarah Churchill, played by Rachel Weisz. Their ordered world is disrupted when Abigail Masham, played by Emma Stone, enters the scene with her own agenda to regain social standing.

The plot unfolds into a complex love and power triangle, as Abigail manipulates her way into the Queen's favor, leading to intense rivalries among the trio. Meanwhile, male characters like Nicholas Hoult and Joe Alwyn weave in and out, adding to the intrigue.

The film, filled with creative embellishments, offers a captivating blend of historical inspiration and Lanthimos' signature eccentricity. With superb performances and a storyline reminiscent of "Dangerous Liaisons," "The Favourite" is a must-watch, even for those not typically drawn to Lanthimos' style.

Describing "The Favourite" as a feminist film in today's context might not be entirely accurate, but it does bring a timeless perspective to the struggles of women seeking power and recognition in a male-dominated world. The movie's frank portrayal highlights a woman's determination to achieve her goals, using a combination of intelligence and charm, often in a satirical manner.

The film delves into the complex dynamics of female rivalry shaped by societal norms, drawing subtle parallels to classics like "The Women," "All About Eve," modern hits like "Mean Girls," and even "The Handmaiden." While it's entertaining to follow the clever scheming of the character Abigail against her Queen and Lady Churchill, the real strength of "The Favourite" lies in exposing the vulnerabilities of its female characters. They grapple with issues related to social status, intense competition, and societal expectations of physical attractiveness.

The cast of "The Favourite" delivers their lines with genuine emotion, a departure from the sometimes wooden dialogues found in director Yorgos Lanthimos' previous works. Occasionally, Lanthimos indulges in excess, such as the use of a fisheye lens, which adds some disorienting effects. Yet, this doesn't overshadow the overall brilliance of the film, with credit due to legendary costume designer Sandy Powell's creative, mostly black-and-white outfits and Fiona Crombie's alluring production design. Considered Lanthimos' most accessible film, "The Favourite" impressively tackles serious themes beneath its seemingly light surface.