Probably the most vividly affecting movie I've seen all year

Rating: 9/10 (29 December 2018)

I'm not sure what I was expecting but it wasn't what I got which was better. I imagined a story about two women battling for a Queen's attention, and it is that, but it's also a portrait of women vying for power in a very unbridled way while the Queen is barely able to cope. Lesbianism is involved though not really graphically.
The story is quite good though dark in the end. I'd hate to have to sort out who should be singled out for their acting. I'd have to proclaim cowardice and give it to the three female leads equally. Clearly Olivia Colman had the worst of it, her Queen Anne is not a very admirable woman, but Olivia gives her depth and breadth that is very impressive. Emma Stone has the most conventional role in that her character is engaged in a struggle against misfortune. But Ms. Stone has an unusual ability to make her roles seem somehow pure human nature and I was always a little happier whenever the camera focused on her.
Rachel Weisz does her best work that I'm aware of. Her strength of character comes through very clearly and is really the center piece of the movie. There's no way it would have reached the heights it does without her and Nicholas Hoult who somehow make the 18th century come alive in a very engaging way.
Not a movie for everyone, because of its hard imaginings, but a wonderful piece of work that is sure to garner an avalanche of awards despite its director's daring spirit. The skill in display is a very rare treat.