The Favourite, 2018.
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos.
Starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, James Smith and Mark Gatiss.
SYNOPSIS:
In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
Bizarre is the word that springs to mind after sitting through a screening of Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Favourite. It is equally absurd, hilarious, touching and beautiful and boats a range of phenomenal performances.
It’s early 18th century England and Queen Anne (Colman) is frail and allows her friend Lady Sarah (Weisz) to rule the country. When a new servant Abigail (Stone) arrives, a fight begins for the Queen’s affections and a deadly battle of wits begins.
The Favourite is absurd and that is its charm. There is no hidden meaning to anything going on, it simply is. From classic lines like “I like it when she sticks her tongue inside me” to the site of Nicholas Hoult dolled up in full 18th century attire and a surreal dance sequence at court, it is supremely odd and wondrous to behold. The dialogue doesn’t fit with what you’d expect from a period drama boasting the thespian talents of Colman and Weisz but this makes The Favourite stand out as a unique piece of cinema.
The performances of Colman, Weisz and Stone and have justifiably got tongues wagging for awards season, with each turning in a playful and layered performance. Stone in particular masters the English accent and makes her character hilarious and conniving. Weisz it feels is having a terrific run with roles and her quick wit and calculating manner make her compelling, fun to watch and miraculously sympathetic. Then of course there is Olivia Colman as the damaged Queen Anne. Embracing the absurd – stuffing her face full of cake, vomiting and then continuing, to sex scenes with both women and fits of hysteria – she is breath taking to watch. An actress that has always challenged audiences, her performance as Queen Anne deserves all the praise that it’s receiving. One particularly poignant and serious moments comes when she explains why she has 17 rabbits: one for each of the children she’s lost. In such a bombastic film it is a humanising and serious note that somehow fits perfectly. Recognition has to go to Nicholas Hoult as well who delivers a career best performance as the manipulative Harley.
The direction is unusual with lots of fishbowl shots and low angles throughout. It seems as if Lanthimos is actively avoiding the tropes of all the period dramas we’ve seen before, in order to concoct a farcical romp. The palace is depicted as claustrophobic and a maze of hidden staircases and darkly lit passageways make up the contents. The attention to detail is exquisite as is the costume design and the use of music throughout is exceptional.
The Favourite is definitely a marmite film. For those searching for meaning in the madness they will ultimately be disappointed. For those who embraced the absurdity and find it whimsically charming (like I did) it is a treat for the senses.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Helen Murdoch
