A unique period-drama let down by its plodding pacing and under-developed characters.

Rating: 6/10 (19 January 2019)

'The Favourite' is somewhat of a mixed-bag. It certainly tries to do something different with the 'period-drama', and Lanthimos' distinct style and the fantastic performances are evidently what makes it distinct. It is also clear, however, that this is the first time in which Lanthimos isn't directing his own screenplay. In terms of the narrative, this definitely isn't Lanthimos fair and this is what really lets the film down. It's never exactly boring, but you are also never really fully invested in the story and, overall, the piece feels extremely long. The core conflict between the three lead characters doesn't seem to have a lot of development, either, and it's hard to really care about them much. Sure, there are a few good scenes that explore the character of Queen Anne deeper, but I felt that, in a picture that really relies on the relationships between its core players, they are only glimpses of what should have been. Personally, I don't think that the humour really landed and this is likely something that limited my engagement in the film - it is a 'black comedy' after all - yet in my screening there were quite a lot of belly laughs, so I suppose if the humour works for you, then the film will be much more successful. Luckily, despite the weak characters and plodding pacing, Lanthimos and the cast keep it from being bad. It's definitely not my favourite Lanthimos film, but it makes for a unique 'period piece'. 6/10