In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 187 wins & 354 nominations total
- Servant, Upstairs
- (as Everal Walsh)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
The Surprising Films That Inspired 'The Favourite'
The Surprising Films That Inspired 'The Favourite'
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe historical Abigail entered Queen Anne's service in 1704. Anne's husband, Prince George of Denmark, is never seen or mentioned, even though he didn't die until 1708. His death, as well as the deaths of their children, was among the reasons for Anne's depression.
- GoofsIn the film, Robert Harley is a young man. In real life, he was 47-49 years old during this period. His youthful portrayal is probably inspired by William Pitt the Younger, who became Prime Minister at 24 in 1783.
- Quotes
Lady Sarah: Abigail has done this. She does not love you.
Queen Anne: Because how could anyone? She wants nothing from me. Unlike you.
Lady Sarah: She wants nothing from you. And yet somehow she is a lady. With 2000 a year, and Harley sits on your knee most nights.
Queen Anne: I wish you could love me as she does!
Lady Sarah: You wish me to lie to you? "Oh you look like an angel fallen from heaven, your majesty." No. Sometimes, you look like a badger. And you can rely on me to tell you.
Queen Anne: Why?
Lady Sarah: Because I will not lie! That is love!
- Crazy credits"Fastest Duck in the City : Horatio"
- ConnectionsFeatured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Early Oscar Contenders You NEED to See (2018)
- SoundtracksConcerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 7 in B - Flat Major, I. Largo
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Alexander Titov & Orchestra
Classical Music Studio, St Petersburg
Courtesy of Cugate Ltd.
Director Yorgos Lanthimos adds a rich period setting and visual flourishes. He keeps his camera moving and has lot of fisheye views.
Underneath it all is a power play between three women in 18th Century England. Two of them vie to be Queen Anne's favourite even if this means massaging more than her legs.
Abigail (Emma Stone) has fallen on hard times. She arrives at Court hoping for employment from her cousin, Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz.) She is the Queen's trusted adviser, lady in waiting, confidante and even lover.
Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) is ill. She has gout, she is mentally unstable. She lost 17 children and she has 17 rabbits that she plays with. Governing the country is something she finds difficult especially as Britain is at war with France.
Abigail wants to ingratiate herself with Queen Anne and climb the greasy pole to secure her position. Over time Abigail and Lady Sarah fight, dirtily to be the Queen's favourite.
The Favourite is a crude, grimy, seedy, bawdy drama in tone and language. Lanthimos is certainly not interested in showing a wholesome chocolate box portrait of 18th century life.
This is a sumptuous looking costume drama about fragile cruel people and egos. People who are desperate to get to the top and remain there.
The film unravels in the second half and gets bogged down. At the end Abigail may not be quiet in control as she thinks, I did think the ending was weak and disappointing.
- Prismark10
- Jan 9, 2019
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Official sites
- Language
- Also known as
- La favorita
- Filming locations
- Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey, England, UK(Tudor kitchens)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $34,366,783
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $422,410
- Nov 25, 2018
- Gross worldwide
- $95,918,706
- Runtime1 hour 59 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1