The Favourite (2018), directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, is a biting historical dark comedy that blends sharp wit with cutting social commentary. Set in early 18th-century England, during the reign of Queen Anne, the film explores the complex relationships between three women vying for power and influence at the British court. With its eccentric tone, clever dialogue, and strong performances, The Favourite delivers both humor and a deeper reflection on the nature of ambition, jealousy, and betrayal.

The plot revolves around Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), a frail and emotionally unstable monarch, and the two women who vie for her affection and power: Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), the Queen’s close confidante and political adviser, and Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), a newcomer to the court who seeks to restore her family’s fallen status. Lady Sarah, who has great political influence over the Queen, is initially the dominant figure, manipulating Queen Anne for her own benefit. However, Abigail, driven by ambition and cunning, starts to win Queen Anne’s favor, leading to a fierce rivalry between the two women. The film is a cat-and-mouse game of manipulation, where loyalty and affection are tested by the pursuit of power.

One of the most striking aspects of The Favourite is its unique blend of dark humor and historical drama. Lanthimos, known for his offbeat and satirical style, uses the absurdity of the courtly environment to reveal the human foibles and desires that drive the characters. The humor in the film often stems from the characters’ cruel and self-serving actions, which are presented with a sharp, almost absurdist lens. The film does not shy away from portraying the cruelty and manipulations at play, but it does so in a way that is both comical and chilling. The absurdity of the court’s politics is highlighted by the outrageous behavior of the characters, who treat relationships and power dynamics as games to be won at any cost.

The performances in The Favourite are exceptional, with Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone delivering some of their finest work. Colman’s portrayal of Queen Anne is particularly remarkable, as she captures the complexities of a monarch who is both powerful and vulnerable, deeply insecure yet capable of wielding great influence. Queen Anne’s fragility and emotional instability are portrayed with empathy, making her a tragic yet relatable figure. Rachel Weisz brings a sense of cold calculation and authority to the role of Lady Sarah, a woman who is both pragmatic and ruthless in her pursuit of power. Emma Stone, playing the scheming Abigail, gives a standout performance as a character whose charm and manipulation make her both a victim and a villain. The chemistry between the three actresses is electric, and their interactions drive the tension and drama throughout the film.

The cinematography and visual style of The Favourite are striking and contribute to the film’s darkly comedic tone. The use of wide-angle lenses and symmetrical shots creates a sense of imbalance and tension, reflecting the power struggles between the characters. The costumes and production design are lavish and meticulously detailed, enhancing the film’s historical setting. However, the film’s visual style is also deliberately modern in some aspects, with the use of contemporary music and the sharp, almost anachronistic dialogue. This combination of historical accuracy and modern sensibility helps to ground the film in a specific period while allowing for a more timeless commentary on power and human nature.

At its heart, The Favourite is a meditation on the corrupting influence of power and the lengths to which people will go to secure it. The film portrays the court as a place where personal relationships are often transactional, and affection is merely a tool for achieving political aims. Throughout the film, the characters engage in manipulative games, using each other to gain favor with the Queen, all while hiding their true intentions behind facades of loyalty and friendship. This theme is most evident in the rivalry between Lady Sarah and Abigail, whose shifting allegiances and betrayals reveal the morally ambiguous nature of their ambition. The film suggests that in a world where power is everything, human relationships become mere instruments of manipulation and control.

In conclusion, The Favourite (2018) is a captivating and darkly humorous exploration of power, manipulation, and rivalry. Through its sharp script, brilliant performances, and unique visual style, the film captures the complexity of courtly politics and the lengths people will go to in order to secure influence. Lanthimos’s direction creates a compelling atmosphere of tension and absurdity, while the outstanding performances from Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone elevate the film into something both entertaining and thought-provoking. The Favourite is not just a historical drama, but a timeless exploration of human ambition, betrayal, and the fragility of power.