Customer Ratings & Reviews

In his amazingly creative recent films (“Dogtooth", “The Killing of a Sacred Deer”, and, most of all, "The Lobster”), Greek iconoclast Yorgos Lanthimos has shown himself to be the successor to Stanley Kubrick, most of all by his long tracking shots and perfectly composed, pristine images. In that sense, “The Favourite” is his “Barry Lyndon", but skewed as if watching demented goings-on in a fishbowl, and outright uninhibited in its dark examination of the deadly power struggle around manipulating Queen Anne in 18th Century England. If less perfect than Kubrick’s rightly praised film, this is more realistic (in its dark dinginess -- even a room with many candles looks nothing like Kubrick's postcard-pretty posturing), and certainly more contemporary. It is also more accessible than Lanthimos’s usual, and more ‘commercially' entertaining (it is a funny dark comedy), while it still is unabashedly pure Lanthimos: profane, disturbing and sometimes offensive. Most distinctive of all however is the cast, three grand dames acting their hearts out: Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah, close friend (and sometime lover) of the Queen who governs the country when the Queen can’t manage it; Emma Stone as the new servant Abigail whose appearance to the Royal Court begins the film; but most of all is the brilliant Olivia Colman as the somewhat mentally-confused Queen Anne escaping her duties by charming her pet rabbits, arguably the most memorable female performance of the year. To see these three artists, at each others’ throats as well as breasts, makes this film an incredibly delicious drama, sort of like Masterpiece Theater invaded by salacious figures from Beardsley’s Victorian erotica. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is the very best tea Britain has offered the movie screens in many a year.

The film itself is absolutely phenomenal. It boast excellent performances from all three leading ladies. The cinematography is masterful. The writing hilarious, direction excellent. This Blu-ray has excellent picture and sound quality. The only thing keeping the rating down is its lack of special features. Some deleted scenes, an EPK and a trailer are included. Would have been nice to have a cast or director commentary.

Yorgos Lanthimos' films aren't for everyone as his works often feature characters involved in outrageous situations that some viewers may simply not find to their liking. So in his latest acclaimed feature: "The Favourite", he creates a humorous take on the love affairs of Queen Anne during the early part of 18th cenury England as two women fight to become the Queen's favorite leading to some amusing results. This one comes highly recommended for arthouse lovers and is a must-see, but comes with a recommendation for viewers unfamiliar with the filmmaker's works.

A bizarre tale of Princess Anne and her relationship with 2 women, battling for her attention, and perhaps her power. Oscar winner Olivia Colman great in lead performance, and Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz awesome in support. Visually stunning, sometimes bizarre and comic but always interesting, this was certainly a worthy candidate for the Oscar nominations it received. Curious finale, but def worth a look.

This film was a delight for the eyes and ears. It tells the story of England's Queen Anne in the 17th century and is told in a most unusual way. It breaks the mold of perceived conventions of a period drama (except perhaps for "A Knight's Tale") and for me anyway was a welcome change to the status quo of this genre. In addition, director Yorgos Lanthimos's visual style is breathtakingly unorthodox. Bottom line, you can't take your eyes off of this film once you start it and it will leave you both surprised and satisfied. I give it a high recommendation.

Being a huge fan of the Lobster, I was pumped for this one. Perhaps part of my disappointment kept this from being 5 stars, but it's still one of 2018's best films. Performances are top notch and this is the director's biggest budget films so this one also looks terrific. Deserved the Oscar attention. Unless you're a fan of the director, rent this one first, otherwise it's well worth it.

What a wonderful way to experience a period drama in a fresh 21st Century interpretation and in today's way of talking. Add stellar performances by all three principal actresses, with one winning the Best Actress Oscar for 2018, and you have a monumental take via cinema about Queen Anne, told in a story with great sense, often humorous and at times disturbing, but with a realistic look at women who stand out and dominate in a time in history where men ruled the roost. Step aside roosters, while the hens take control!

If you're into independent/art house cinema and haven't seen the latest Yorgos Lanthimos masterclass in cinema, this movie is for you! Conversely, if you're counting the days till the next Marvel Cinematic Masterpiece, stop reading now; this movie will be incapable of stimulating your brain at the level to which you are accustomed. Disney fans, remember to also add The Lobster, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, Dogtooth, and Alps to your "Don't Watch List".

Best actress winner, Olivia Colman, leads this best picture nominated film. Almost surreal at times....two cousins via to be the queen’s #1 confidant in this “off-the-wall” presentation. The exceptional ending places each character in their own personal perdition.

I like period type movies covering early centuries. This gave all of the scenery and the characters were in tuned to that, but what is really special was the modern take for some of the scenes including the dancing. This gave the movie a flavor that rose above most period drama movies of the past. I can see why the movie was nominated for different academy awards. You will not be dissappointed.

While I wouldn’t say it’s as funny as some critics have made it out to be, I will say this features the three best performances of 2018. Colman, Weisz and Stone all deserved their nominations and Colman deserved her win.

This movie takes a glimpse of the time of Queen Ann of England, her Court, and in particular her Lady's in Waiting. The rise and fall of some very important Court personalities at that time period and how they effected the decisions of Queen Ann in War and the people of England. Splendidly filmed and great costumes/dress of that time period, just as good as "Berry Lyndon" by Stanly K.

Though I don't think Olivia Colman deserved best actress (it belonged to Glenn Close) she is still something to watch, along with Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, in this funny and dark period satire. It may not be altogether historically accurate, but it is certainly eye catching as it skewers power/social climbing with great wit and scathing drama. I loved it from start to finish.

Ok, so good movie. Some strange angles that were filmed, as well as loud background music where it seemed it wasn’t needed. Other than that well deserved Golden Globe for Olivia Colman.

A really fun and perplexing film that rewards multiple viewings.

The same could be said for every character, performance, and word uttered by the 3 main characters. Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, and Olivia Colman (in her Academy Award winning performance) are perfect in a story about innocence, power, corruption, and why sex is a better tool than it is a pleasurable treat.

This is less a historical portrayal of Queen Ann's England than it is the struggles of Ann and 2 women attendants around her to find personal satisfaction and survival in a setting of constant scheming. The 3 leads, Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachael Weisz are great. Visually the movie is stunning.

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I love this movie. Upon first seeing it I wasn’t impressed, it wasn’t until the second time I saw it that it sunk in and cut deep. This is a really funny film but the comedy is mean-spirited and biting. It’s not your average period piece. Highly recommended!

This movie is filmed in a very unusual way and I bought it in blue-ray to see if my TV would capture this. It was nearly as good. I don't buy a lot of blue-ray but this one was worth it. Of course it helped that I already liked the movie (the two watching with for the first time didn't.)

It's hard to peg a genre for this one. Part satire, part comedy, part drama. But what would one expect from the director that gave us The Lobster and The Killing of A Sacred Deer? This is his most "conventional" film yet and worth it for the set design, cinematography and acting.