Excellent

Rating: 8/10 (12 January 2019)

The best way to describe The Favorite is a dramatic dark comedy packed with absurdism. While the film is mostly focussed on the shifting power dynamics between the three main characters, it it packed with comedic commentary on the 'everyday cruelty' of the time period and the ridiculous extravagance of the royal family.
The shots, colour scheme, wide lenses and lighting were chosen perfectly to illustrate the lavishness of the time period - darkened corridors lit by the orange glow of lamps are particularly stunning. All the acting was spectacular, especially Olivia Colman as Queen Anne. The minister of the opposition, played by Nicholas Hoult, also stole every scene he was in.
So, The Favorite is hilarious, dramatic, shocking, excellently shot and exactly what you would expect from Yorgos Lanthimos. If extremely sexual and somewhat disturbing films aren't your thing, maybe give this a miss, but otherwise I strongly recommend it.