It wasn't my favourite.

Rating: 6/10 (7 January 2019)

'The Favourite (2018)' certainly feels far longer than it is, thanks to - I feel - its 'chapter'-based and slightly episodic structure. It's never exactly repetitive - nor, indeed, boring - but it does settle into a strange, laid-back pacing that paints many of its, essentially, single-location events with what is ostensibly the same dry brush. While there is, of course, more to the piece than its aspects of black comedy, I do feel that your mileage will vary depending on how funny you find it. It functions far more as a comedy than as anything else (a period drama is the next closest thing, I suppose) and, for me, it just wasn't funny enough for that to be its sole function - or, rather, for it to be all that successful at it. There are chuckles here and there, don't get me wrong. It's not devoid of merit in other areas, either. Lanthimos' direction is prevalent, including his typically dead-pan panning, and the period design - from the sets to the costumes - all looks fantastic. The only issue I have with the film's look is the occasional distracting use of fish-eye lenses, which don't fit with its overall aesthetic. I guess the most noteworthy thing about the affair is the acting - it's certainly drawing awards attention. It is strong across the board, with the absolute stand-out being Olivia Coleman with her portrayal of 'Queen Anne'. Her character is easily the most interesting aspect of the narrative; she's unpredictable, child-like, physically-impaired and there's a real sadness to her, too. Coleman, of course, pulls it all off impeccably, being intimidating and insecure all at once. The other lead characters are portrayed well but, in terms of development or general intrigue, pale in comparison to the Queen. The flick is a strange one. It's not exactly compelling but it isn't disengaging, either. It is generally entertaining, too. It does feel very long, though, and, even if the ending nicely ties its themes together, seems as though it should have ended a full 'chapter' earlier (at least, that's how I felt as I was watching it). Like I said before, I think your enjoyment will depend entirely on how funny you find it. That's completely subjective. In the end, while I usually enjoyed it, it wasn't my favourite. 6/10