The Favourite
The first historical film of Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster, Dogtooth) focuses on the darkly funny tale of Queen Anne, who reigned from 1702 to 1714, and her relationship with two women who compete to become the Queen’s ‘favourite’. For her starring role, Olivia Colman won an Academy Award and a Golden Globe.
Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.