Really good film funny in parts.

Rating: 8/10 (25 January 2019)

I can't quite understand some of the negative reviews against this film. I'm almost certain most are from people who don't understand the history of the UK or in general. Or have just gone in with a negative mindset from the start.
The film is loosely based around the era of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman). War in Europe is currently ongoing, the Queen is sick and mourning the loss of 17 children. Lady Sarah (Duchess of Marlborough) (Rachel Weisz) running the country on the Queens behalf. Trying hard to keep on top of political matters and the country afloat as the war has been expensive.
As a result of this they've both become incredibly close in terms of friends & lovers. This relationship is tested Abigail (Emma Stone) turns up looking for work. She has previously been among the high society but fell from grace due to a drunk father and his gambling. Now taken on as a lowly servant girl. She weaves her way up the ladder by first becoming Lady Sarah's maid whom both battle for the queens affections.
Abigail ceases the opportunity to becoming a lady with a Â£2000 a year salary by poisoning Lady Sarah. Then marring a Colonel and quickly becoming the Queens favourite. Lady Sarah returns and realising she has been replaced by Abigail, threatens the Queen that she will release intimate letters between the 2 which would expose their relationship unless she installs 2 chosen men into Parliament and continue funding the war.
The Queen refuses and instead goes against Lady Sarah this is the start to the end of their relationship. Abigail and Sarah's continued battle against each other comes to ahead. Having planted a seed of doubt into the Queens head over missing money supposedly spent by the Duke of Marlborough. Eventually the Duke and Lady Sarah are banished from the country due to this.
It appears the Queen is having doubts about the decision she made and Lady Sarah is encouraged to write an apology to the Queen tontry and repair their relationship. However, the letters are being intercepted by the scheming Abigail who has reached the pinnacle of high society. The Queens health has seriously deteriorated and she has become quite needy and demanding. This is not what Abigail had signed up for. Doubt has also set in with regards to the banishment of the Marlborough's and her choice of friends.
This film although deemed a comedy is not a laugh out loud style of film. The humour is very subtle and very dark and there are many uses of the c word as well and scenes of a sexual nature throughout.
Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz all play their parts superbly and Colman in my opinion thoroughly deserves her Oscar nomination. Nicholas Hoult as Hanley is also a stand out performance.
The critics for once have their reviews correct. Please ignore the negativity on here and comments about it being boring etc. It really isn't it's a cracking film well worth the price of the ticket.