The Favourite

In the early 18th century, around 1708, England finds itself embroiled in a war against the French. This conflict creates a challenging political atmosphere, putting pressure on Queen Anne to make difficult decisions as she navigates through the uncertainty.

Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, is depicted as a middle-aged monarch grappling with ill temper and physical frailties. She heavily relies on her childhood friend, Sarah, to help manage the complexities of her reign and the ongoing war.

Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, makes her entrance at the royal estate, literally falling into muck as she disembarks from her carriage. This comical mishap sets the tone for her difficult start at the castle, where she is mocked by the staff.

Struggling due to her family's hard times and her father's misfortunes, Abigail seeks employment as a maid at the castle. Unfortunately, she faces bullying and mistreatment from the other maids, leading to further injuries and humiliation.

Within the court, local politician Robert Harley passionately campaigns for peace to end the war, while Sidney Godolphin argues for its continuation. Sarah's influence grows as she convinces Anne to impose heavier taxes to fund the war, igniting tensions with Harley.

One fateful night, Queen Anne suffers from an excruciating gout attack, presenting Abigail with an opportunity. She sneaks into the woods to gather herbs for a remedy, a move that unwittingly intertwines her fate with that of the dashing Samuel Masham.

Abigail sneaks into Anne's chamber to apply the herbs she gathered, but her deception is soon discovered by Sarah. Although she faces punishment for this trickery, the remedy's effectiveness catches Sarah's attention, leading to Abigail's promotion.

As time goes by, Abigail works to ingratiate herself with Queen Anne through shared conversations about the queen's beloved rabbits, which symbolize her lost children. Their bond deepens, showcasing Abigail’s cunning ability to manipulate their relationship.

A pivotal moment occurs when Sarah catches Abigail and Queen Anne in a potentially scandalous situation. Angered by the betrayal, Sarah confronts Abigail, but ultimately, the confrontation only serves to boost Abigail's standing with the queen.

In a turn of events, Sarah is injured and incapacitated, causing a significant shift in the balance of power within the court. With her main rival sidelined, Abigail begins to exert control over Queen Anne, enhancing her influence and affections.

As the war intensifies, Abigail's manipulation of Queen Anne grows increasingly prominent, threatening the stability of their bond. The young maid's desires for power and love spark a tumultuous series of events that impact both personal and political spheres.

The final act of the film delves into deep themes of loyalty and betrayal as Abigail endeavors to expand her influence over Anne. As tensions mount, Abigail's ambitions lead to personal and political betrayals that unravel the fabric of their relationships.

Queen Anne’s health continues to decline under the pressure of war and personal loss, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and desperation. As her health falters, Abigail's role shifts from confidante to that of a manipulative mastermind.

In a shocking climax, Abigail steps on one of the queen’s cherished rabbits, serving as a potent symbol of their fractured bond. This act signifies the complete unraveling of their relationship and the lengths to which Abigail will go in her quest for power.