The Favourite

The Favourite is a 2018 period drama film that explores the complex relationships between Queen Anne of Great Britain, her advisor Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and the new servant Abigail Hill. The film is set in the early 18th century, during the War of the Spanish Succession, and features a talented ensemble cast, including Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. The movie was directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, known for his work on The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer, and was produced by Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, and Lee Magiday. The screenplay was written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, and the film's cinematography was handled by Robbie Ryan, who has also worked on The Meyerowitz Stories (New and Selected) and American Honey.

Plot

The film's narrative is centered around the intricate dynamics between Queen Anne and her two advisors, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough and Abigail Hill. As Abigail Hill rises through the ranks of the royal household, she challenges the authority of Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who has long been the queen's closest confidante. The story is set against the backdrop of the War of the Spanish Succession, which involved Great Britain, France, Spain, and other European powers, including the Holy Roman Empire and the Dutch Republic. The film also touches on the Treaty of Utrecht, which marked the end of the war, and features characters such as Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer and Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin, who played important roles in shaping British policy during this period. The plot is also influenced by the Whig and Tory parties, which were the dominant political forces in Great Britain at the time, and features references to notable figures such as Jonathan Swift and Alexander Pope.

Production

The production of the film was a collaborative effort between Film4, Waypoint Entertainment, and Scarlet Films, with Yorgos Lanthimos serving as both director and producer. The screenplay was written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, who drew inspiration from the lives of Queen Anne, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Hill. The film's cinematography was handled by Robbie Ryan, who used a combination of Arriflex and Panavision cameras to capture the intricate details of the Hatfield House and Hampton Court Palace sets. The production design was overseen by Nathan Crowley, who has also worked on Dunkirk and Interstellar, and the costume design was handled by Sandy Powell, who has won numerous awards for her work on films such as The Young Victoria and Shakespeare in Love. The film's score was composed by Johnnie Burn, who incorporated music from Henry Purcell and George Frideric Handel into the soundtrack.

Cast

The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, Emma Stone as Abigail Hill, and Rachel Weisz as Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough. The cast also includes Nicholas Hoult as Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, Joe Alwyn as Samuel Masham, 1st Baron Masham, and Mark Gatiss as John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough. The film's cast has been praised for their performances, with Olivia Colman winning the Academy Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Queen Anne. The cast's performances were also recognized at the BAFTA Awards, where The Favourite won several awards, including Best British Film and Best Actress for Olivia Colman. The film has also been compared to other notable period dramas, such as The Crown and Victoria, which also feature complex female characters and explore the intricacies of royal politics.

Release

The film was released in the United States on November 23, 2018, and in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2019. The film was distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures and received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast and the direction of Yorgos Lanthimos. The film was also a commercial success, grossing over $236 million worldwide and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 2018. The film's success can be attributed to its unique blend of period drama and dark comedy, which has drawn comparisons to other notable films such as The Grand Budapest Hotel and Marie Antoinette. The film has also been recognized at several film festivals, including the Venice Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered and received critical acclaim.

Reception

The film received widespread critical acclaim, with many praising the performances of the cast and the direction of Yorgos Lanthimos. The film holds a 94% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with many critics praising the film's unique blend of period drama and dark comedy. The film was also recognized at several award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards, where it won the Academy Award for Best Actress for Olivia Colman's performance. The film's success can be attributed to its complex characters, intricate plot, and historical accuracy, which have drawn comparisons to other notable period dramas such as The Remains of the Day and Atonement. The film has also been praised for its portrayal of strong female characters, including Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, who were influential figures in British history.

Historical_accuracy

The film's historical accuracy has been praised by many historians, who note that the film's portrayal of Queen Anne and her relationships with Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough and Abigail Hill is largely accurate. The film's depiction of the War of the Spanish Succession and the Treaty of Utrecht is also accurate, and the film's use of Hatfield House and Hampton Court Palace as filming locations adds to the film's historical authenticity. However, some historians have noted that the film takes some creative liberties with the events of the time, including the portrayal of Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer and Godolphin, 1st Earl of Godolphin. Despite these minor inaccuracies, the film is widely regarded as one of the most historically accurate period dramas in recent years, and has been praised for its attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy. The film's historical accuracy has also been recognized by organizations such as the Historical Association and the Royal Historical Society, which have praised the film for its portrayal of British history and its commitment to historical accuracy.