The Favourite

No matter how many Oscars this may win, it won’t come near what it deserves. This is film making at its finest.

The quasi historically accurate story of Queen Anne’s rule during the British/French hostilities of the early 1700s is told with wicked humour, unmitigated vulgarity, lush visuals and gold-statue winning performances.

Olivia Colman is the debilitated, reluctant queen, more concerned about her 17 rabbits and the doting attention of her advisor and covert lover, Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), than running the country, leaving that to the more capable Sarah. When Sarah’s cousin, Abigail (Emma Stone) unexpectedly shows up having lost her title and wealth and wishing some kind of employment, a battle ensues for the affections of the queen.

The script is deliciously witty, and at times, even whacky, to wit, an odd dance scene and even odder kinky orange tossing scene. The soundtrack is an aural buffet of familiar baroque tunes and minimalist, experimental music. While some of the visual effects are obvious, in particular the use of fish eye lens and odd angles, there are also subtle surprises in things like costume and props. The last scene is extraordinary.

Even the credits are inspired.

★★★★ ½

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich