The Favourite Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Three ladies, one throne, zero chill: It’s like ‘Mean Girls’ meets British history, but with more rabbits and questionable fashion choices.

🍿 The Favourite: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Queen Anne’s Court

Set in early 18th-century England, Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) rules a nation at war with France. More interested in duck racing and pineapple-eating than governing, she relies heavily on her close friend and confidante, Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz). Lady Sarah effectively governs the country, navigating political tensions while tending to the Queen’s ill health and volatile temperament.

Abigail’s Arrival and Rise

Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), a distant relative of Lady Sarah, arrives at court seeking employment. Once aristocratic, her family has fallen into poverty. Lady Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, initially employing her as a scullery maid. Abigail quickly proves resourceful and charming, catching Lady Sarah’s attention and earning a promotion to lady of the bedchamber.

A Power Struggle Begins

As Lady Sarah’s political duties consume her time, Abigail steps in to attend to the Queen. Their friendship deepens, offering Abigail an opportunity to fulfill her ambitions and regain her lost status. A fierce rivalry develops between Abigail and Lady Sarah for Queen Anne’s favor, marked by manipulation, betrayal, and increasingly ruthless tactics.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Queen Anne (Olivia Colman): A frail and insecure queen easily influenced by those closest to her, particularly in matters of state and affection.
• Abigail (Emma Stone): An ambitious and cunning servant who schemes her way into Queen Anne’s favor, displacing Lady Sarah.
• Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz): Queen Anne’s close friend and advisor, wielding considerable power due to her influence over the queen.
• Harley (Nicholas Hoult): A shrewd politician who tries to manipulate the power struggle between the women to his advantage.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Queen Anne: “Sometimes, you look like a badger.” – Queen Anne is speaking to Lady Sarah, capturing their brutally honest and intimate relationship.
• Lady Sarah: “I will not lie to you.” – Lady Sarah delivers the line, highlighting her unwavering honesty, even when it’s harsh.
• Abigail: “I like it when you are direct.” – Abigail tells Harley, indicating her preference for straightforwardness in the power plays of the court.
• Lady Sarah: “Abigail has done this. She does not love you.” – Lady Sarah warns Queen Anne about Abigail’s manipulations, encapsulating the central conflict.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $15,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $34,366,783
• Worldwide Gross: $95,918,706

💥 The Favourite Reviews

Personal Review

I was completely captivated by ‘The Favourite’! The acting was phenomenal, especially Olivia Colman as Queen Anne. Her performance was heartbreaking and hilarious. Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz were equally amazing, their rivalry was so intense and entertaining to watch! I loved the dark humor and how it never took itself too seriously. The soundtrack was surprisingly modern and added to the film’s unique vibe. This is a must-see!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas with a dark, comedic edge”
  • “Viewers interested in complex female characters and power dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate unconventional filmmaking and unique storytelling”
  • “Audiences who enjoy films with strong performances and sharp dialogue”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Sexual content and nudity”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Mature themes and manipulation”
  • “Brief scenes of violence”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “A wickedly funny and visually arresting film, ‘The Favourite’ is a masterclass in acting and subversive storytelling. Lanthimos delivers a biting commentary on power, desire, and the absurdities of courtly life.
• RogerEbert.com: “Olivia Colman’s portrayal of Queen Anne is nothing short of breathtaking. The film is a complex and emotionally resonant character study set against a backdrop of opulent decadence.
• Variety: “Yorgos Lanthimos’s ‘The Favourite’ is a deliciously twisted period drama that showcases the director’s unique vision and the incredible talents of its leading ladies.

Audience Reactions

The film’s sharp wit and irreverent humor had audiences laughing throughout.: The outstanding performances of the lead actresses were universally praised.

Viewers were drawn into the complex and often unsettling relationships between the characters.: The movie’s unique visual style and unconventional storytelling were frequently commended.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed and darkly comedic period drama, celebrated for its exceptional performances, sharp writing, and unconventional direction.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Actress)- 2019
2. BAFTA Award (Outstanding British Film)- 2019
3. BAFTA Award (Best Supporting Actress)- 2019
4. BAFTA Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 2019
5. Golden Globe (Best Actress – Musical or Comedy)- 2019

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Most of the costumes and wigs were made from scratch due to budget constraints and the rarity of 18th-century depictions in film.”
• “The film uses a variety of unusual camera techniques, including fisheye lenses and low angles, to create a disorienting and surreal atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Favourite?

The Favourite is widely available on streaming platforms and for purchase. You can find it on Hulu with a subscription. To rent or buy, check options on Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Favourite, you might like these similar films:

• Dangerous Liaisons (1988): Explores the manipulative power dynamics within the French aristocracy with similar themes of seduction and betrayal.
• The Lion in Winter (1968): Deals with ruthless family power struggles and political intrigue within a royal court setting.
• Amadeus (1984): Features a complex rivalry and power play set against a historical backdrop, with a focus on ambition and jealousy.
• Marie Antoinette (2006): Offers a stylized and unconventional take on historical royalty, focusing on the personal relationships and struggles of the queen.

🛒 The Favourite Related Products

• The Favourite [Blu-ray]: Own the critically acclaimed film in stunning high definition. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
• Queen Anne: The Politics of Passion by Anne Somerset: Delve into the true history of Queen Anne and understand the real-life context behind the characters and events in ‘The Favourite.’
• The Favourite: Screenplay Book: Go behind the scenes of the critically acclaimed movie, and dive into the scriptwriting process.
• The Crown – Complete Series [DVD]: The Crown, a Netflix original, features all episodes of this historical masterpiece.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Favourite features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 7 in B – Flat Major, I. Largo” – performed by George Frideric Handel
• “Water Music Suite No. 1 in F Major, HWV 348: III. Allegro” – performed by George Frideric Handel
• “Suite bergamasque, L. 75: III. Clair de Lune” – performed by Claude Debussy

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Pregnant Cartoon Compilation | The BEST of Cartoon Box by FRAME ORDER

Get ready for a side-splitting and unexpected take on the movie’s theme! This compilation of hilarious cartoon clips will leave you in stitches.

Write An Essay On A Film You Have Recently Seen | A Film You Have Recently Watched |

Dive deeper into the movie’s hidden meanings and characters with this thought-provoking analysis! It’s like having a film critic right at your fingertips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ft09NkPBwpI

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