Apart from the top nominations at the Oscars this year, “The Favourite” has so far opened to phenomenal box-office success overseas and will soon open in PH on February 20 (exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas). Directed by Academy award-nominee Yorgos Lanthimos, “The Favourite” is also nominated for Best Picture – a story that traces a time in history when then Queen Anne’s reign was perhaps unfairly dismissed. Such time was when Britain was at war, while in the Queen’s court the absurdities of palace life run rife. Gout-ridden and beset by grief over the loss of no fewer than 17 children, Anne relies on her only confidant, Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz), who keeps the Privy Purse and offers much more than guidance in the matters of state.
Meanwhile, orbiting these three women are the men who perhaps expected to be in charge, including Robert Harley (Nicholas Hoult) the Tory leader of the opposition who misreads Abigail as a pawn to force his agenda, and Samuel Masham (Joe Alwyn), the handsome nobleman who finds himself inextricably drawn to Abigail’s charms.
“What I love is how many moments there are that will really split the audience. Moments where some will laugh, and others will whimper at the same time. It’s what’s so brilliant about the film; it works either way. Even watching the film myself, knowing where it’s going, I think “Oh that’s funny, but it’s also really tragic.” It’s a great contradiction,” says Hoult of his character.
