In early 18th century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend, Lady Sarah, governs the country in her stead. When a new servant, Abigail, arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah.
Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne's ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen's companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfill her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.Written by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider. See more »
Goofs
The phrase "prime minister" was first used to describe George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham (1592-1628), "favourite" of James I and Charles I. It did not mean what the modern office of Prime Minister has come to mean. See more »
Quotes
[first lines]
Queen Anne:
How was my speech?
Lady Sarah:
You were brilliant.
Queen Anne:
Did I lisp?
Lady Sarah:
You don't lisp.
Queen Anne:
I know. That was what was so troubling about it. The thought that I suddenly did.
See more »
Crazy Credits
Both the Twentieth Century Fox and Film4 fanfares are played using the creaking and sounds of rabbits in their cages. See more »
Concerto No. 5 en La Mineur, Falk. 45 - Allegro Ma Non Molto
Composed by Wilhelm Friedemann Bach
Performed by Brigitte Haudebourg, Orchestre Pro Arte de Munich, Kurt Redel
(p) Arion 1976 - Courtesy of Arion Music, Paris, France See more »
In early 18th century, the friendship between Anne, first Queen of Great Britain and Lady Sarah Churchill, the wife of the Duke of Marlborough, was very close and then deteriorated because of their differing political views and the growing influence of another favorite, Abigail Masham. The film focuses on the rivalry between these 2 women, Abigail and Sarah: lousy tricks, alliances, treacheries, ground shiftings, sex, ... Everything is allowed to obtain the favors of the queen!
The actors, the photography, the costumes, the 18th century atmosphere despite voluntary anachronisms, the rhythm, the dialogues, the soundtrack, ... This is an excellent achievement. Smart, dark, irreverent, cruel and immoral.
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In early 18th century, the friendship between Anne, first Queen of Great Britain and Lady Sarah Churchill, the wife of the Duke of Marlborough, was very close and then deteriorated because of their differing political views and the growing influence of another favorite, Abigail Masham. The film focuses on the rivalry between these 2 women, Abigail and Sarah: lousy tricks, alliances, treacheries, ground shiftings, sex, ... Everything is allowed to obtain the favors of the queen!
The actors, the photography, the costumes, the 18th century atmosphere despite voluntary anachronisms, the rhythm, the dialogues, the soundtrack, ... This is an excellent achievement. Smart, dark, irreverent, cruel and immoral.