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The Favourite

9.1

Excellent

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description The Favourite Overview

Yorgos Lanthimos brings his signature surrealist wit to this biting, darkly comedic period piece about the court of Queen Anne. The film is a power struggle between two cousins vying for the Queens favor, featuring powerhouse performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. The dialogue is sharp, the costumes are lavish, and the cinematography uses wide-angle lenses to create a sense of claustrophobia and absurdity. It is a refreshing, subversive take on the historical drama genre that is as hilarious as it is cruel.

The film is a brilliant exploration of ambition, manipulation, and the fragility of power.

recommend Best for: Ideal for viewers who enjoy unconventional period dramas with dark humor, sharp dialogue, and powerhouse performances.

info The Favourite Specifications

Genre	Period drama, dark comedy, satire
Editor	Sam Sneade
Runtime	119 minutes
Director	Yorgos Lanthimos
Language	English
Distributor	Searchlight Pictures
Release Year	2018
Cinematographer	Robbie Ryan
Country Of Origin	United Kingdom, Ireland, United States
Production Companies	Element Pictures, Film4 Productions

balance The Favourite Pros & Cons

thumb_up Pros

check Olivia Colman's Oscarwinning performance brings depth and vulnerability to Queen Anne
check Yorgos Lanthimos's signature surrealist wit injects the period drama with fresh, darkly comedic energy
check Sharp, witty screenplay that intricately weaves power struggles and female rivalry
check Impeccable production design, costumes, and cinematography that transport viewers to early 18thcentury England
check The films blend of historical fiction and satire creates a uniquely engaging tone
check Strong critical reception and multiple award nominations highlight its overall excellence

thumb_down Cons

close The dark humor and offbeat tone may not appeal to viewers expecting a traditional period drama
close The period setting and archaic language can feel inaccessible to some audiences
close Some viewers may find the pacing slow in the middle act
close The ambiguous ending can be divisive and leave some wanting clearer resolution
close Explicit queer themes and occasional graphic content may be controversial for certain viewers

help The Favourite FAQ

Is The Favourite based on a true story?

The film is loosely inspired by the real rivalry between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, though it takes creative liberties and exaggerates events for comedic effect.

What awards did The Favourite win?

It won the Grand Jury Prize at the Venice Film Festival, an Oscar for Best Actress (Olivia Colman), and received numerous BAFTA and Golden Globe nominations, underscoring its critical acclaim.

How long is The Favourite's runtime?

The movie runs about 119 minutes (roughly two hours), delivering a concise yet richly layered story of court intrigue and satire.

Where can I stream The Favourite?

It is available for rental or purchase on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play; streaming availability varies by region and service.

What is The Favourite?

Yorgos Lanthimos brings his signature surrealist wit to this biting, darkly comedic period piece about the court of Queen Anne. The film is a power struggle between two cousins vying for the Queens favor, featuring powerhouse performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz. The dialogue is sharp, the costumes are lavish, and the cinematography uses wide-angle lenses to create a sense of claustrophobia and absurdity. It is a refreshing, subversive take on the historical drama genre that is as hilarious as it is cruel. The film is a brilliant exploration of ambition, manipulation, and the fragility of power.

How good is The Favourite?

The Favourite scores 9.1/10 (Excellent) on Lunoo, making it one of the highest-rated options in the Dark Comedy category. With an aggregate rating of 9.1/10, The Favourite excels due to its standout performances, particularly Olivia Colman's awardwinning turn, and Yorgos...

How much does The Favourite cost?

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What are the best alternatives to The Favourite?

See our alternatives page for The Favourite for a ranked list with scores. Top alternatives include: The Banshees of Inisherin, Promising Young Woman, Poor Things.

What is The Favourite best for?

Ideal for viewers who enjoy unconventional period dramas with dark humor, sharp dialogue, and powerhouse performances.

How does The Favourite compare to The Banshees of Inisherin?

See our detailed comparison of The Favourite vs The Banshees of Inisherin with scores, features, and an AI-powered verdict.

Is The Favourite worth it in 2026?

With a score of 9.1/10, The Favourite is highly rated in Dark Comedy. See all Dark Comedy ranked.

What are the key specifications of The Favourite?