Nov. 23, 2018|Ireland, United Kingdom, United States|119 Min.|R
Genre: Comedy;Drama;History
Description: In 1711, Great Britain is at war with France. Queen Anne, in declining health, shows little interest in governance, preferring activities like duck racing and caring for her 17 rabbits, which symbolize the children she lost. Her confidante and secret lover, Sarah Churchill, effectively rules the country through her influence over the Queen. However, Sarah’s control is challenged by Robert Harley, the Leader of the Opposition, who opposes the proposed property tax increase to fund the war.
Abigail Hill, Sarah’s impoverished younger cousin, arrives at the palace seeking work. Due to her father’s gambling debts, Abigail is forced into menial labor as a scullery maid. After noticing the Queen’s gout, Abigail uses her knowledge of herbs to treat her, earning the Queen’s favor. Despite initially being punished by Sarah for her audacity, Abigail is appointed Lady of the Bedchamber after proving her remedy’s effectiveness. Harley approaches Abigail to spy on Sarah and the Queen, but she declines and informs Sarah, who subtly threatens her to ensure loyalty. Abigail later witnesses an intimate moment between Sarah and the Queen.
As Sarah focuses on the war, Abigail develops a close bond with the Queen, which evolves into a romantic relationship. Desiring to reclaim her noble status, Abigail reconsiders Harley’s offer. Sarah uncovers Abigail’s schemes and attempts to remove her, but Abigail sabotages Sarah by drugging her tea, causing her to fall from her horse. Injured and disoriented, Sarah is found in a brothel. Believing Sarah has abandoned her, the Queen turns to Abigail, reinstating her as a Baroness through marriage to Colonel Masham. With Harley’s backing, Abigail gains influence over the Queen’s decisions regarding the war, altering the political landscape.
Cast director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Cast actor: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, Mark Gatiss, James Smith, Jenny Rainsford, Emma Delves, Faye Daveney
Original name: The Favourite