THE FAVOURITE (15)

WHO’S IN IT?

Olivia Colman (Tyrannosaur), Emma Stone (La La Land), Rachel Weisz (Disobedience), Nicholas Hoult (A Single Man), Joe Alwyn (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), Mark Gatiss (Christopher Robin), James Smith (In The Loop), Jenny Rainsford (About Time)

WHO’S BEHIND THE CAMERA?

Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster), director, producer; Deborah Davis (film debut) and Tony McNamara (Ashby), writers; Ceci Dempsey (Bedrooms and Hallways), Ed Guiney (Room) and Lee Magiday (The Guard), producers; Robbie Ryan (Philomena), cinematographer; Yorgos Mavropsaridis (The Killing of a Sacred Deer), editor

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

In early 18th century England, the frail Queen Anne (Colman) resides over a court that is rocked by the English war against the French. Her closest confidante is her advisor and secret lover Sarah Churchill (Weisz), whose position of power is threatened by the arrival of Sarah’s cousin Abigail (Stone), a former socialite who seeks a job in the royal court. Both Sarah and Abigail then become embroiled in a bitter fight to become the Queen’s court favourite…

IN ONE SENTENCE, WHY SHOULD YOU BE EXCITED?

Yorgos Lanthimos brings his oddball directorial style to a witty and exquisitely British political comedy that mixes royal sensibilities with some of the cattiest putdowns you’ll ever hear, with three excellent leading performances by Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz.

WHEN’S IT OUT?

TUESDAY 1ST JANUARY 2019

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