Hate it as you will, I'm happy on the other side of the fence

Rating: 9/10 (10 February 2019)

I almost never write film reviews, but after seeing the incredible spitting waves of feelings on this movie, I felt compelled to chip in.
The Favourite is a dark, exquisite, disturbingly humorous, and humorously disturbing work of arts. The use of fish-eye lens, the stilted and close-up shots all lend a beautifully haunting and comical quality to the movie, enriching its satires. The music is absolutely brilliant and is one of my favourite things about this film (it's surprising that the music is actually the very thing that grates on many other viewers). The repeated notes and passages of bleak, haunting melody so excellently accentuates the tone of the film, and I believe without this superb score, the film would not be nearly as successful in its deliverance. The extravagance is made possible by the gorgeously lavish set designing and costumes, another of my favourite things about this film.
Yet, we do not forget the true stars of the film, the triumvirate whose wicked performances are the deciding factor to the success of the film - Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone. It is simply impossible to pick between the three as to who is the true star of the film, for they all fulfill their assignments so perfectly. My personal star of the show would be Colman. In her close-up shots, you can see and feel the subtlest outbreak of emotions, be it an uncontrollable paroxysms or a silent, ominous realisation. Weisz and Stone, as well, also achieve this themselves and deserve as much admiration for their acting.
The ending might come as a disappointment to many audience, though to me it is a most appropriate and perfect climax. The ending caps this entire piece of dark comedy in a bleak, hopeless cloak, leaving its characters no way out. This film shows the twisted desires of humans, for power, for safety, for love. The more you think of ending, the more you see how perfect, how right it is for the film.
I can totally see why The Favourite is too "weird" to be well-received by half the audience out there. I myself also thought this film is extremely bizarre and can thus elude many's taste. However as the film expanded itself, I gradually came to appreciate - and even like - its weirdness. Lanthimos set the bar high with The Lobster, and yet The Favourite, to me, live up to it, that speak volumes about this movie. Go watch it, and see for yourself which side of the fence you are on.