If you enjoy reading my Spoiler-Free reviews, please follow my blog :) The Favourite is among the most celebrated films of recent years, earning numerous nominations and awards (it secured the second-most wins of 2018, behind Roma). As someone who appreciates Yorgos Lanthimos’ distinctive style, I'm pleased for his success, and I was eager to see what he created. This film exemplifies a common trend with Oscars—there’s often one Best Picture nominee that audiences struggle to understand, questioning why critics are so enthusiastic about something they consider merely “okay.” It presents a lengthy, unusual, and perhaps even dull story for some viewers. The reason lies in the fact that this is, technically speaking, a masterpiece. Every aspect of its creation deserves recognition. The production design is stunningly beautiful. While the score is atypical for a period piece, it surprisingly enhances the tension between the three main characters and contributes to an atmosphere of constant unease. Even the cinematography and use of candlelight create some truly striking visuals. However, unexpectedly, the costume design stands out above everything else. This comes from someone who typically doesn’t pay much attention to this aspect of filmmaking, so I'm as surprised as you are. It isn’t simply that the costumes are attractive or historically accurate; many films set in similar eras get those details right. Instead, this film uses costume design to reveal character arcs—a rare and valuable skill. The protagonists all experience distinct journeys, but their conclusions share common threads. Understanding the story involves observing what they wear, which visually represents each character’s transformation. These layers of storytelling keep the movie engaging, though Lanthimos’ unconventional methods and McNamara and Davis’ script might not appeal to every viewer. The Favourite is that film audiences will likely find confusing—they may wonder why critics love it so much. The truth is straightforward: most viewers don't focus on technical aspects like costume design, cinematography, or screenplay quality. They want entertainment, so a slight disappointment with one of 2018’s most acclaimed films seems reasonable. Lanthimos doesn’t create predictable stories and he certainly doesn’t film them in a conventional way, which means the general public may not enjoy it as much. His unique style brings a different tone, pace, and filming techniques that many aren't accustomed to. Fortunately, there’s more than just technical skill at play; three exceptional performances from Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz elevate the entire film. These three actresses are deserving of every nomination they’ve received. Colman delivers a performance that is both humorous and emotionally intense as Anne, a fragile Queen with a traumatic past whose affections are being contested between Abigail and Sarah. Many of the movie's laughs come from Anne and her petty behavior toward her servants, and Colman commits fully to her role, adding another impressive achievement to her career. Weisz is consistently excellent; Sarah’s journey contrasts sharply with Abigail’s, and Rachel delivers a nuanced performance that marked a welcome return to the spotlight. However, it's Emma Stone who truly shines, displaying an incredible range of emotions and expressions. Her work in La La Land was commendable, but her portrayal of Abigail is exceptional. She handles her character’s transformation with remarkable skill, and she likely won’t win the Oscar only because Regina King (If Beale Street Could Talk) has strong support. Abigail drives the plot forward by attempting to displace Sarah near the Queen. Her intelligent and manipulative actions are captivating, as is her determination to gain Anne's affection. Yorgos Lanthimos clearly knows his craft, and his unusual yet distinctive style will undoubtedly lead to more divisive and perplexing films in the future. From camera angles to storytelling techniques, he’s a talented director-writer-producer! Technically, The Favourite is one of the best movies of recent times. The impressive production design and captivating score enhance the film, but it's the costume design that tells a story through what the characters wear throughout. The screenplay is exceptionally written, filled with complex dialogues and unexpected twists and turns, which guide our characters through eventful arcs. Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz provide compelling performances, but Emma Stone’s work is on another level entirely; her range is astonishing, and she carries a significant responsibility in portraying the character who changes the entire story. Nevertheless, the movie feels somewhat long, and its momentum slows during the transition from the second to the third act. Simply put: if you're an average moviegoer seeking popcorn entertainment, The Favourite probably won’t satisfy you; however, if you appreciate films with a deeper level of analysis, you’ll likely be as impressed as I was by the end. Rating: A-

Source on TMDB