The Favourite (2018)

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Stars: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz
Runtime: 119 minutes

Synopsis: In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.

Performances: 10/10
Screenplay: 10/10
Costumes/Makeup: 10/10
Editing: 9/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Score/Soundtrack: 9/10

Verdict: With 10 Oscar nominations to its name, "The Favourite" is by far one of the most well-received movies of last year. And deservedly so.

Yorgos Lanthimos' period piece, which uses real characters as protagonists and real events as its backbone, explores Queen Anne's relationship with Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill, two rivaling cousins who will go to extreme lengths to charm their elder and gain her trust and friendship.

Fuelled by three of last year's very best performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz who brought all kinds of emotions to their incredibly entertaining characters, heavily contributing to making the film's tone balance between drama and comedy, "The Favourite" is before anything else a beautiful looking film that benefits from gorgeously fitting costume and production designs as well as excellent cinematography.

However, the true star of the film is its screenplay written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, which uses smart and witty lines of dialogue to deliver a story that is both entertaining and engaging from the first scene to the last. Yorgos Lanthimos' trademark style also turned what very much felt like a Greek tragedy into more of a dramedy that worked surprisingly well, making the film a unique experience definitely worth checking out.

"The Favourite" is easily one of my favorite (pun intended) movies of 2018, and the film I'll personally be rooting for at this year's Oscars ceremony. Seek it out if you still haven't, it's well worth your time.      

FINAL GRADE: 10/10