The Favourite is not only one of the Oscar-winning gems but also one of Yorgos Lanthimos‘ finest works with Emma Stone, which now shines in the Netflix catalog and has become the third most-watched movie worldwide.
The period drama, scripted by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, is set in early 18th-century England, where the fragile Queen Anne occupies the throne, and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country on her behalf.
The project not only had prominent producers but also boasted a star-studded cast, featuring some of the best in the industry, such as Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, John Locke and Joe Alwyn.
The Favourite is the 3rd most watched movie on Netflix
This week, Netflix has once again refreshed its catalog and top 10. According to the metrics-focused site Flix Patrol, the third most-watched movie globally is The Favourite, the period drama directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (known for The Lobster and Poor Things).
The plot explores themes of power, manipulation, and rivalry in the context of the royal court. The filmmaker, known for his distinctive and often surreal style, brings his unique approach to the narrative, offering an unconventional and sometimes humorous take on the period piece.
Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman portray the main characters: Abigail, Lady Sarah and Queen Anne. Their performances were praised not only by critics but also by the thousands of viewers who gave the film a chance. They were joined by notable figures, including:
- Nicholas Hoult
- Joe Alwyn
- Emma Delves
- Faye Daveney
- James Smith
- Mark Gatiss
- John Locke
- Carolyn Saint-Pé
- Jennifer White
- Lilly-Rose Stevens
- Everal A Walsh
What is The Favourite about?
The story is set in the 18th century at the court of Queen Anne of Britain and focuses on the complex relationship between two cousins, Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (played by Rachel Weisz) and Abigail Masham (played by Emma Stone).
Sarah is the confidante of Queen Anne (played by Olivia Colman) and Abigail is a young woman seeking to rise in the court. As their rivalry intensifies, both vie for the favor of the queen.
What did critics say about The Favourite?
Its combination of historical elements, humor, and outstanding performances made it a film widely admired by both critics and audiences alike. Thanks to this, it received widespread acclaim, and many highlighted various aspects of the movie, including the performances, Yorgos Lanthimos’s direction, the screenplay, cinematography and production design.
Mark Kermode of The Guardian awarded it four out of five stars and stated that the three lead women have been pitch-perfect. “With its mix of corseted intrigue and lustful betrayal, The Favourite at times resembles an unlikely cross between Peter Greenaway’s The Draughtsman’s Contract and the Wachowskis’ Bound, all beautifully attired by the great Sandy Powell”, he wrote.
Tomris Laffly was another who proclaimed about the film, giving it three and a half stars on the official Robert Ebert site. In November 2018, the writer emphasized:
“Despite its grandeur, the Royal Palace of ‘The Favourite’ is nothing but an intimate home of familial duels, with compartmentalized walls serving as pillars of confinement. In short, it’s a perfect ‘Lanthimosian’ playground, complete with an array of mischievous conspirators, tightly laced corsets, and a pinch of eroticism “.
Nicholas Barber of BBC stated in August 2018 that “The film breaks all the rules of period drama about carriages and country houses” and that it is a dirty, violent, scandalous period comedy that brims with profanity and worse behavior and will horrify anyone expecting a more conventional period drama. It is also strangely moving“.
What awards did The Favourite win?
The Favourite was considered a cinematic masterpiece and received numerous awards and nominations at various ceremonies, including the Academy Awards and the BAFTAs. In total, the film earned 180 wins and garnered 345 nominations.
Olivia Colman received her first Oscar nomination at the 2019 ceremony and took home her first golden statuette that same night. Rachel Weisz also received acclaim and won an Academy Award in the Best Supporting Actress category.
Emma Stone was also nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role. In addition to these, the period drama received multiple nominations and awards at various ceremonies, including the BAFTA Awards and the Golden Globes.