The Favourite (2018) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The film is set in England during the early 18th century, primarily at a grand royal estate. The castle serves as the main backdrop for the political intrigue and personal rivalries that define the story.

• england
• royal estate
• castle
• setting
• english court

The film is set in the early 18th century, specifically around 1708. This was a turbulent period in English history marked by ongoing war with France and complex political power struggles.

• 1708
• early 18th century
• historical period
• england
• war with france

Loyalty is a central theme as characters navigate shifting relationships within the royal court. Abigail's loyalty to her cousin Sarah is tested and ultimately betrays as she pursues power. The film shows how loyalty becomes compromised in the treacherous political environment of the monarchy.

• loyalty
• relationships
• court dynamics
• queen anne
• abigail hill

Betrayal drives much of the film's conflict as characters sacrifice trust for social advancement. Abigail's rise comes directly at the expense of Sarah's position, and the resulting treachery redefines the relationships among all the key characters in the court.

• betrayal
• power struggle
• social climbing
• sarah churchill
• abigail hill

Ambition is portrayed as a powerful but destructive force, particularly through Abigail's character. Her relentless drive for status and influence leads to fractured relationships and moral compromise. The film examines the high cost of ambition in a rigidly stratified society.

• ambition
• social status
• power
• abigail hill
• moral compromise

Queen Anne, portrayed by Olivia Colman, is a fragile and emotionally vulnerable monarch who relies heavily on her close advisor Sarah Churchill. Burdened by grief over her lost children and health issues, she becomes dependent on her inner circle, making her vulnerable to manipulation.

• queen anne
• monarch
• olivia colman
• vulnerability
• royal court

Abigail Hill, played by Emma Stone, is a resourceful young woman who rises from a lowly maid position to become a powerful figure in the court through cunning and manipulation. Her dual motivations are her desire for social status and her yearning for the Queen's affection.

• abigail hill
• emma stone
• ambition
• social climb
• manipulation

Sarah Churchill, portrayed by Rachel Weisz, serves as Queen Anne's cunning and astute adviser. Initially loyal, she becomes embroiled in a power struggle with Abigail as her position is threatened. Her character represents the cutthroat nature of court politics.

• sarah churchill
• rachel weisz
• adviser
• power struggle
• political machinations

Robert Harley, played by Nicholas Hoult, is a politician advocating for peace during the ongoing war with France. He represents the intersection of personal and political ambitions at court, maneuvering through alliances while harboring his own interests in the Queen's favor.

• robert harley
• nicholas hoult
• politician
• peace talks
• war

The royal estate serves as more than just a backdrop, it actively shapes the narrative through its atmosphere of hidden agendas and secret relationships. The grandeur of the castle contrasts sharply with the moral corruption and ruthless ambition that define the characters' interactions.

• royal court
• intrigue
• power dynamics
• secret relationships
• social hierarchy

The film highlights the limited options available to women in early 18th century England, where ambition and social advancement required manipulation and strategic relationships. The status of women at court is directly tied to their connection to power, making betrayal an inevitable survival tactic.

• women status
• social norms
• gender dynamics
• 18th century england
• survival