The Favourite

The Favourite is a captivating movie from 2018, a period drama marked with the signature style of Greek auteur Yorgos Lanthimos, renowned for his macabre allegories, dark humor, and seemingly cold, unflinching depictions of human nature. The film highlights the versatility of an outstanding triumvirate of actresses: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz, each of whom bring substance to their respective roles. The narrative sets itself in the early 18th century, against the backdrop of political turmoil and power plays in the British court. It is a masterful tale of manipulation, machinations and intrigue, all tied together with an intense exploration of the complex nature of human relationships.

In The Favourite, Olivia Colman portrays the role of an ailing and volatile Queen Anne, who is struggling with various ailments, emotional instability, and a tragic past. Colman brackets her character with pathos and delivers an exceptional performance that won her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Anne's frailties are masked by her unpredictable temperament and warped by her given authority, making her an intriguing lynchpin in the power dynamics of her court.

Then there's Lady Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, played by Rachel Weisz. Sarah, a shrewd and acerbic woman, is the Queen's confidante and lover. Weisz gives a deft performance as she manipulates the Queen and reigns over the court with an iron fist, imparting strategic military advice and effectively wielding power, while still handling her complex relationship with the Queen. Her control over the Queen is a testament to the intimate understanding she holds of the Queen's mind, a virtue that situates her at the nadir of the political setup.

The triad is completed by Emma Stone as Abigail, Sarah's cousin and a new entrant to the court. Initially portrayed as an innocent, she maneuvers her way up the court hierarchy using guile and cunning. Stone superbly embodies the metamorphosis of Abigail from a harmless individual to a conniving force; her charm slowly giving way to hints of a predator's cold-hearted pursuit.

The script of The Favourite is beautifully crafted, drawing elements of absurdity and sardonicism into the narrative, a typical Lanthimos approach. The dialogue retains its period setting, laced with a modern sense of pacing and wit that makes the entire film an engaging watch. The screenplay, the work of historical biographer Deborah Davis and co-writer Tony McNamara, ably captures the essence of the period even as it intersperses it with Lanthimos's distinctive style.

Aesthetically, The Favourite is a visual treat. From the palatial staterooms decked in ornate detail, to lush exteriors and extravagant costumes, all encapsulate an authentic 18th century vibe. While the baroque interior and rich garb speak of the opulence of the times, the cinematography of Robbie Ryan masterfully plays with angles and light to create a spellbinding atmosphere.

The score of the film deserves special mention too. The soundtrack, curated by Sarah Giles and Matthew Herbert, aptly complements the narrative, making use of period-appropriate compositions from baroque and classical periods along with more contemporary pieces. The symphony of diegetic and non-diegetic sounds laces the drama with psychologically layered aural cues, leading to a sense of unease that is so characteristic of a Lanthimos film.

Much beyond its power games and political maneuverings, The Favourite presents a compelling portrayal of complex women characters, giving them depth and agency seldom seen in period dramas. It becomes not only a commentary on power and its impressions, but also on gender politics, class, jealousy, and sex. Most importantly, it is about the complexity of the relationships between these three women, each wrestling with their sense of longing, affection, personal ambition and the intoxicating power that they wield or aspire to.

In summary, The Favourite is a historically lush, visually captivating piece of cinema that offers a closer examination of human character and power dynamics through the lens of three equally compelling women. It is an excellent fusion of period drama and personal narrative, injecting surreal elements into the grim reality of history. With praiseworthy performances, unique cinematography, and a stirring script, the film pallet serves as a savoury cinematic feast.