The Queen's Sister

The Queen's Sister is a revealing 2005 biographical drama that captures the life of Princess Margaret, the younger sister of Queen Elizabeth II. This visually stunning film is blessed with an incredible performance by Lucy Cohu as Princess Margaret. Cohu's portrayal of the princess, naturally stylish, vivacious and possessing a restless spirit, is both empathetic and multidimensional, adding a captivating charm to the film. Cohu is flanked by Merideth MacNeill who plays the role of Queen Elizabeth II while Al Barclay appears as Tony Armstrong-Jones.

Directed by Simon Cellan Jones, the movie significantly hinges on the tumultuous life of Princess Margaret. The flamboyant princess, who often lived in the shadow of her older and dutiful sister, Queen Elizabeth, is the heartbeat of the film. The screenplay delves deep into Princess Margaret's life, shedding light not just on her public persona, but also on her personal highs and lows, and her desire to embrace a less restrictive and more adventurous form of royalty.

The movie starts with Princess Margaret's notably wild youth and charts her journey into adulthood, her relationships, and her eventual marriage to Tony Armstrong-Jones, an avant-garde photographer who later becomes Lord Snowdon. Despite her royal title and the privileges it brings, Margaret yearns for freedom and personal happiness in an environment where traditions, protocols, and public image take the upper hand. This results in her being faced with a long, lasting battle between her personal desires and royal duty.

Lucy Cohu produces a magnificent performance as Princess Margaret, bringing out her spirited inclination with an accurate portrayal of her complexities. The lively, quick-tempered, reckless, and fun-loving side of Princess Margaret is effectively balanced by Cohu with the tormented side of a young woman, who often finds herself at the centre of media scrutiny and constant judgment.

Meredith MacNeill, in the role of Queen Elizabeth II, crafts an excellent opposite side of the spectrum. Her portrayal of the dutiful monarch up against her sister's mercurial nature forms a key dynamic in the narrative. Meredith’s demonstration of Elizabeth’s love for her sister, faced with her resolute adherence to the royal code, captures the deep familial bonds and tested loyalties within the royal family effectively.

While Cohu and MacNeill form the central pivot around which the story revolves, the movie's supporting cast, including Al Barclay as Tony Armstrong-Jones, add multiple dimensions to the storyline. Tony Armstrong-Jones’s role reflects the outsiders' perspective within the royal household. Through him, the story illustrates the intense scrutiny and eventual emotional toll royal marriages go through.

Cellan Jones' direction lends an air of authenticity to the film, bringing forth an accurate depiction of the shackled life behind the palace doors. His decision to focus not just on historical events, but also on the emotional excursions of Princess Margaret, make the Queen's Sister a compelling watch.

The Queen's Sister succeeds as it allows the viewers a glimpse inside the dazzling yet strained world of the British royalty. It vividly encapsulates the struggles of a woman striving to find her place in a world bound by solemn traditions and glaring public gaze. The film does not just decode a royal life, it serves as a reminder that beneath the jewel-encrusted crowns and extravagant gowns, royals too, are human, yearning for freedom and happiness.

The drama showcases an irresistible mix of romance, intrigue, and royal squabbles, all set against a backdrop of the traditional British aristocracy. Notably written with in-depth research and attention to specificity, the narrative remains close to the actual historical timeline, allowing for dramatic explorations that add spice to the storytelling.

The Queen's Sister is a visual treat for fans of royal dramas and history enthusiasts alike. The real brilliance of this movie lies not just in its captivating performances but in its narration - with sensitivity and warmth - of Princess Margaret's untold story. This film provides a profoundly personal viewpoint of an often-misunderstood royal – Princess Margaret - and in doing so, delivers a spirited picture of an unconventional princess who dared to challenge the norms.