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The Favourite is the creation of unusual filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and my best attempt at describing the film is a darkly comedic, raunchy period drama. The Favourite is based upon the true story of three women - Queen Anne, Abigail Masham and Sarah Churchill - who form a twisted love triangle during Britain’s war with France. Placing The Favourite in one genre is a surprisingly difficult task: there are hilarious moments of comedy spread throughout the film, as well as heartbreaking scenes about losing children. The Favourite's greatest achievement is the performances: all three leading ladies execute the bizarre script perfectly, and Emma Stone's English accent is particularly noteworthy. It is clear why Olivia Coleman is sweeping the award season, as she manages to generate sympathy while acting extremely dramatic and desperate. When we think of period dramas, our immediate thought is usually the extreme modesty and politeness shown in programmes such as Downton Abbey, however The Favourite shows a new side of royalty: foul language, immaturity and inappropriate behaviour. This lends to the film's comedic element and shocks the audience into paying attention. The film can be interpreted in many different ways, however I see it as a tale of power and love, and how the lines between can become blurred. The characters have fascinating arcs, and you never really know who to trust and who to root for, which keeps you interested and waiting for the next twist or turn. The ending is very powerful and leaves you thinking afterwards, which I always think is a great asset of a film. Some of the film's stylistic choices feel unnecessary and simply distracting for me, such as the occasional use of a fisheye lens. Overall, if you want a classic historical piece following a queen’s political struggles, this isn't going to be for you. However, this is a riveting and perplexing film, which pulls a fun twist on our perception of period dramas. I would definitely recommend this film if you know it's the type of entertainment you'd enjoy.
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