The Favourite

The Favourite

Year: 2018

Runtime: 119 min

Language: English

Director: Giorgos Lanthimos

Echo Score: 85

Budget: $15M

BiographyDramaHistoryComedy

During the early 18th century in England, Queen Anne is gravely ill and relies heavily on her close friend and advisor, Lady Sarah Churchill. When a young woman, Abigail Hill, arrives seeking employment, she subtly begins to undermine Sarah’s influence, vying for the Queen’s attention and favor. As political tensions escalate, Abigail’s ambition drives her to manipulate those around her, leading to a power struggle within the court and a complex web of relationships.

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Timeline & Setting – The Favourite (2018)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Favourite (2018). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

early 18th century, 1708

The film is set in the early 18th century, a time marked by political strife and war, particularly against the French. This period saw monarchs navigating complex power structures and social hierarchies, with personal relationships deeply intertwined with political ambitions. The era’s social norms and the status of women elevate themes of ambition and betrayal.

Location

England

The movie takes place primarily in England during the early 18th century. The royal estate serves as the backdrop for political intrigue, personal rivalry, and social dynamics of the time. Known for its grandeur, the castle is also a site of hidden agendas and secret relationships amongst the court.

🇬🇧 England 🏰 Royal Estate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Main Characters – The Favourite (2018)

Meet the key characters of The Favourite (2018), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Queen Anne

Queen Anne, portrayed by Olivia Colman, is a fragile monarch burdened by her responsibilities and health issues. Her character is defined by her dependence on her inner circle, particularly Sarah and Abigail, who navigate her vulnerabilities for their gain. As the story unfolds, Anne’s emotional turmoil and the weight of her crown become increasingly apparent.

👑 Queen 🎭 Power 😢 Vulnerability

Sarah

Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, is a cunning and astute adviser to Queen Anne. Though initially loyal, her relationship with Abigail becomes strained as Abigail's deception threatens her position. Strong-willed and intelligent, Sarah navigates her political landscape with both finesse and hostility, reflecting the cutthroat nature of court power struggles.

👩‍💼 Manipulator 🎭 Loyalty ⚖️ Power

Abigail

Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, is a resourceful and ambitious young woman who ascends in rank through cunning and manipulation. Her journey from a bullied maid to a powerful influencer showcases her determination and adaptability. However, her ruthless ambition ultimately leads to fractured relationships and moral ambiguity, making her a complex figure in the narrative.

🌟 Ambition 🎭 Manipulation 😈 Deception

Robert Harley

Robert Harley, played by Nicholas Hoult, is a local politician advocating for peace amidst the ongoing war. His character embodies the political struggles of the time, as he maneuvers through alliances and oppositions. Harley's keen interest in the queen and the court's politics showcase the intersection of personal and political ambitions.

📜 Politician ⚔️ War 🎭 Strategy

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

Major Themes – The Favourite (2018)

Explore the central themes of The Favourite (2018), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🤝 Loyalty

Loyalty plays a significant role as characters navigate their relationships. Abigail's initial loyalty to her cousin Sarah fluctuates as she becomes embroiled in a complex web of manipulation with Queen Anne. The shifting alliances highlight how loyalty can be tested, particularly in the treacherous environment of the royal court.

🗡️ Betrayal

Betrayal is a central theme as characters betray one another to climb the social ladder. Abigail's rise comes at the expense of Sarah's trust, marking a fall from grace that showcases the brutal nature of court dynamics. The climax culminates in shocking acts of treachery that redefine loyalty among the characters.

🏅 Ambition

Ambition drives the plot forward, especially for Abigail, whose desire for status and love leads her to manipulate those around her. Her journey reflects the lengths individuals will go to seize power and influence in an environment fraught with competition and danger. The film examines the costs of ambition in a highly stratified society.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 18:50

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies about intense power struggles in closed settings like The Favourite

Intense stories of ambition and manipulation within isolated, high-stakes settings.If you enjoyed the high-stakes manipulation and claustrophobic tension of The Favourite, explore more movies like it. This collection features similar historical dramas and thrillers centered on ruthless ambition and complex rivalries within isolated, powerful worlds.

manipulativeclaustrophobicsuspensefuldecadentsharpanxiousrivalry

Narrative Summary

Narratives in this thread typically follow a calculated ascent, often through the undermining of a rival. The conflict is psychological rather than physical, revolving around wit, deception, and the exploitation of relationships. The journey is one of gaining power at a significant personal or moral cost.

Why These Movies?

Movies are grouped here for their shared focus on psychological warfare in confined, hierarchical environments. They share a high-intensity, suspenseful mood, a dark and sharp tone, and a steady, methodical pacing that builds tension through strategic moves rather than action.

Dark comedies with bittersweet endings like The Favourite

Stories where cunning characters win, but their success feels hollow and costly.For viewers who liked the cynical wit and hollow victory in The Favourite, this list features similar movies. Discover other sharp, darkly comic stories where characters' ambitious schemes lead to success that is undercut by melancholy and moral compromise.

sharpmelancholicbittersweetcynicalambitiousmanipulativeanxious

Narrative Summary

The narrative pattern involves a clever, driven protagonist navigating a complex social or political landscape. They outmaneuver their opponents using wit and manipulation, leading to a technical 'win'. However, the conclusion underscores the loneliness, corruption, or loss of humanity that accompanies this victory, leaving a bittersweet or melancholic aftertaste.

Why These Movies?

These films are united by their unique tonal blend of dark comedy and dramatic weight, leading to a bittersweet conclusion. They share a complex, character-driven plot, a sharp and anxious mood, and an exploration of ambition that questions the very definition of success.

Unlock the Full Story of The Favourite

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The Favourite Summary

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The Favourite Summary

The Favourite Timeline

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The Favourite Timeline

The Favourite Ending Explained

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The Favourite Ending Explained

The Favourite Spoiler-Free Summary

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The Favourite Spoiler-Free Summary

More About The Favourite

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