The Favourite

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2:07

The Favourite

R

Released Dec 14, 2018

2h 0m

Comedy

Drama

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Popcornmeter

93%

Tomatometer

430 Reviews

71%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.

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Critics Consensus

The Favourite sees Yorgos Lanthimos balancing a period setting against rich, timely subtext - and getting roundly stellar performances from his well-chosen stars.

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Molly Haskell

Film Comment Magazine

It's a dark view, but dark views, like sunny views, have to come from somewhere. Where is Lanthimos's dark sun? I don't know, but I'll definitely keep watching.

Feb 27, 2020

Full Review

Cate Young

IndieWire

Yorgos Lanthimos' dryly funny historical feature is all about power, and that means literally wearing the pants in a strange time.

Mar 10, 2019

Full Review

Jourdain Searles

Bitch Media

In the end, The Favourite is a haunting reminder of the limits of control.

Feb 23, 2019

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JD Duran

InSession Film

The Favourite is a wild and hilarious romp that is equal parts everything I love about Yorgos Lanthimos, but it’s also quite unique and different for him as well.

Aug 7, 2024

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Calum Cooper

Source (Scotland)

In between its stylish costumes and jovial soundtrack is a film with plenty to say on power, and how it’s most suited to the merciless and the conniving rather than the good natured.

Rated: 4/5

Jul 14, 2024

Full Review

Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

Yorgos Lanthimos’ trip to 18th century England is so irreverent in its jabs at the power dynamics of high society that I half expected to see cameo appearances by the cast of Monty Python.

Jul 2, 2024

Full Review

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Sebastian L

Highly entertaining and masterfully executed with fantastic performances all around. Eventually though you can't escape the fact that there is no one to root for. When every character is a bit of a prick the drama looses its edge.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

Full Review

Jacob B

I walked in expecting a stilted costume drama and was overjoyed to find that it was a rather raunchy, stylized comedy of manners, sex, and power. I discovered and fell in love with Olivia Coleman on the spot as she brought to life a Queen Anne that no one ever has nor ever will see again. Brilliantly bonkers satire! (Don’t watch if you think you’ll be getting a BBC style history lesson.)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/05/25

Full Review

Steven W

It was a bit raunchy, and a bit over the top, kind of killed through a point that wasn’t there. Was uncomfortable watching.

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/01/25

Full Review

La G

Buena película, buenas actuaciones pero el hecho que siempre todo se trata de sexo entre seres humanos es aburrido. Se podrían esforzar un poco más.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/04/25

Full Review

Kevin P

A very funny and intriguing political thriller that excels in the political chess matches, but can feel hit-or-miss in the surrealism (which can often feel like it's just done for shock value), as well as the ending feeling a bit forced and out-of-character.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/24/24

Full Review

Audience Member

Great story about loyalty and betrayal, greed and sacrifice, all set against the backdrop of queen Anne's court. This is classic eye candy mixed with humor and drama, well acted and well shot.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

10/31/24

Full Review

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Yorgos Lanthimos

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Olivia Colman

Queen Anne

Rachel Weisz

Lady Sarah

Emma Stone

Abigail

Nicholas Hoult

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The Favourite: Trailer 1

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The Favourite: Teaser Trailer 1

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Synopsis

In the early 18th century, England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing, and Abigail sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Producer: Yorgos Lanthimos, Ceci Dempsey, Ed Guiney, Lee Magiday
Screenwriter: Deborah Davis, Tony McNamara
Distributor: Fox Searchlight
Production Co: Waypoint Entertainment, Film4
Rating: R (Nudity|Language|Strong Sexual Content)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: British English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 14, 2018, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 12, 2019
Box Office (Gross USA): $34.2M
Runtime: 2h 0m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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