The Favourite

"4.25⭐️ Power, sex and manipulation ultimately lead to their destructive consequences. This was actually a fun and entertaining film though the slyly satirical comedic elements underlie a sad and uncomfortable commentary. This movie is all about style and imagery to bring forth those themes, saturated in laughably pointed symbolism. Though I enjoyed The Favourite for its style and pathos laden humor, and Poor Things for its visual beauty and ultimate message, I’m not sure Yorgos Lanthimos is my thing..YET. There’s a sort of faux feminism about both these films that leaves me feeling a bit empty even as I feel like applauding it. But I have always loved filmmakers with an eccentric bent, Charlie Kaufman, Wes Anderson, Spike Jonze etc so something in me appreciates Yorgos’s vision and aesthetics. He does seem to mine the psyche for its darkest leanings and idiosyncrasies which is often a challenge I need to prepare myself to undertake. #womensstories #womenshistorymonth"

"Amusing, dark, and creatively shot"

"Put this one thinking I’d kill time, then I got pulled in, obviously how could you not with all these great actors? Manipulation, ridiculous reign, power struggle but one star off for the abrupt/odd ending. Also, can someone please ensure we never live in that era? Some of the traditions are super creepy/freaky yuk "

"Loved the actors so I knew I would enjoy it!"

"It didn’t hold my attention at all times but it was still worth the watch. The story is quite intriguing "

"This is a fantastic movie! Really surprised I didn’t see it until now. Incredible production values, direction, cinematography, and especially the screenplay and performances across the board (Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, and especially Rachel Weisz MVP). Between the 2 films I’ve seen directed by Yorgos Lanthimos (this and POOR THINGS), this is easily my favorite of the 2 by a country mile, and I was particularly surprised at how economical the storytelling was here, with a focus on power play between two cousins (played by Stone and Weisz) fighting for affection with the Queen (Olivia Colman’s character) keeping me engaged throughout. I can totally see why Olivia Colman won the Best Actress Oscar (although I have to admit that seeing her beating Glenn Close that year really stung (just to be clear, I don’t blame her for this, rather the timing), and Glenn now shares the unfortunate distinction of the person with the most acting nominations with no wins (sharing it with Peter O’Toole)). That being said, incredible performance by her (even if I preferred Weisz personally). Yorgos Lanthimos seems to have something of a Midas touch nowadays in scoring Best Actress wins for his leading ladies now between her and now Emma Stone’s victory for POOR THINGS. Highly recommended."

"Just not my cup of tea. But Olivia Colman is wonderful! She is an awesome actor. But it was a little crazy and slow at times for me. "

"This movie took me by surprised. It’s now one of my favourites and got me hooked to the director Yorgos Lanthimos and his works. "

"Pride Day 17: Man, I'm just not sure about this one. Not because I think this is a bad movie, I think this is a great movie but it is neither uplifting nor educational, not particularly gay-centric. The Favourite is a movie in which three terrible women struggle for power. And they mostly do it through sex and intimacy. The queen enjoys sex with women and regardless of whether the other two do or not they enjoy the power that being near the queen grants them. This is a Yorgos Lanthimos movie and not the first one that casually addresses issues if non-straight sexuality although this one a bit more directly (I'm saving my thoughts on The Lobster in case I end up talking about that movie) but to say "romance" has any part here would be, I think, inaccurate."

"This is a great historical film. Filled with resentment and manipulation, it’s got great acting that will leave you feeling for both sides. Dark but satisfying ending. "