The Favourite

20182018
RR
1h 59min

Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

In early 18th century England, a troubled Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah and the Queen.

Play trailer1:48

Biography Comedy Drama

In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.In early 18th-century England, the status quo at the court is upset when a new servant arrives and endears herself to a frail Queen Anne.

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Won 1 Oscar
- 184 wins & 343 nominations total

Emma Stone in The Favourite (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone in The Favourite (2018)

Emma Stone and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Emma Stone in The Favourite (2018)

Nicholas Hoult, James Smith, and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, and Joe Alwyn in The Favourite (2018)

Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

James Smith and Joe Alwyn in The Favourite (2018)

Rachel Weisz and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Emma Stone in The Favourite (2018)

The Surprising Films That Inspired 'The Favourite'

The Surprising Films That Inspired 'The Favourite'

Emma Stone, Olivia Colman, and Rachel Weisz share the unexpected movies that inspired The Favourite.

Check out our interviews

Image caption not available

The Lobster

7.2

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

7.0

The Killing of a Sacred Deer

Dogtooth

7.2

Roma

7.7

Alps

6.4

Lady Bird

7.4

Nimic

6.6

Marriage Story

7.9

I, Tonya

7.5

BlacKkKlansman

7.5

Call Me by Your Name

7.9

Call Me by Your Name

Kinetta

4.8

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. —Fox Searchlight Pictures

female rivalry maid aristocracy dragged by a horse british aristocracy 255 more

Genres
Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
- Rated R for strong sexual content, nudity and language.
Parents guide

Trivia
The historical Abigail entered Queen Anne's service in 1704. Anne's husband, Prince George of Denmark, is never seen or mentioned, even though he died in 1708. His death, as well as the deaths of their children, was among the reasons for Anne's depression.

Goofs
In the film, Robert Harley is a young man. In real life, he was 47-49 years old during this period. His youthful portrayal is probably inspired by William Pitt the Younger, who became Prime Minister at 24 in 1783.

Quotes
Lady Sarah: Abigail has done this. She does not love you.
Queen Anne: Because how could anyone? She wants nothing from me. Unlike you.
Lady Sarah: She wants nothing from you. And yet somehow she is a lady. With 2000 a year, and Harley sits on your knee most nights.
Queen Anne: I wish you could love me as she does!
Lady Sarah: You wish me to lie to you? "Oh you look like an angel fallen from heaven, your majesty." No. Sometimes, you look like a badger. And you can rely on me to tell you.
Queen Anne: Why?
Lady Sarah: Because I will not lie! That is love!

Crazy credits
"Fastest Duck in the City : Horatio"

Connections
Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Early Oscar Contenders You NEED to See (2018)

Soundtracks
Concerto Grosso, Op. 6, No. 7 in B - Flat Major, I. Largo
Composed by George Frideric Handel
Performed by Alexander Titov & Orchestra
Classical Music Studio, St Petersburg
Courtesy of Cugate Ltd.

Top review

9/10

Wow!!

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.

helpful•91

40

FrenchEddieFelson
Feb 20, 2019

Why did the Queen slap Lady Sarah?

Budget
- $15,000,000 (estimated)
Gross US & Canada
- $34,366,783
Opening weekend US & Canada
- $422,410
- Nov 25, 2018
Gross worldwide
- $95,918,706

See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

Runtime
- 1h 59min
Color
- Color
Sound mix
- Dolby Digital
Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1

Horror Icon Dario Argento Joins Charlotte Colbert’s Genre Pic ‘She Will’

Horror Icon Dario Argento Joins Charlotte Colbert’s Genre Pic ‘She Will’

Sep 22Deadline Film + TV

Olivia Colman Wins First Emmy for Lead Actress in Drama With ‘The Crown:’ ‘I Loved Every Second of It’

Olivia Colman Wins First Emmy for Lead Actress in Drama With ‘The Crown:’ ‘I Loved Every Second of It’

Sep 20Variety Film + TV

Rachel Weisz, Emma Stone, and Olivia Colman in The Favourite (2018)

Top Gap

What is the Hindi language plot outline for The Favourite (2018)?

More to explore

View image

Hollywood Romances: Our Favorite Couples

See the entire gallery

Image caption not available

What to Watch in October

Watch the video

Recently viewed

Please enable browser cookies to use this feature. Learn more.