The Favourite reviewed by Mark Kermode

Mark Kermode reviews The Favourite. Two cousins engage in deception and political wrangling as they vie for favour with Queen Anne.
Please tell us what you think of the film -- or Mark’s review of the film. We love to include your views on the show every Friday.
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[@GernickKuik]

Olivia Coleman. is astonishing in this film. I felt for her so much. This is a great film.

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

Yes she is and deserved to win the Oscar, but see her in Tyrannosour. That is Olivia at her best.

[@comanchio1976]

@James Harris Agreed. I was blown away by how realistic and heart wrenching her performance was.

[@maximyles]

@@helvete_ingres4717 the film quietly exposed all three. Emma was presented as a vile character but towards the ending you start to see breaks in her character, and at the end whilst she’s rubbing Olivia’s leg with obvious shame, your reminded that her motivation for her villainy is the fact she was used in the past. Rachel’s character seemed so sturdy, yet when power was snatched from her you could see how desperate she was to claim it back, kind of exposing this need for control in her but she also maintained her pride unlike the other two. This movie is great

[@maximyles]

@@helvete_ingres4717 oh I’m gonna watch the heck out of that movie, thanks for the recommendation

[@wendellwiggins3776]

I felt the film was tragic but didn't feel much for her since she seemed to not care about much most of the film. By the time of her socialist enlightenment I was completely detached and what happened at the end did little to change that.

[@Kinography]

The use of the fisheye lens was wonderful. It called to mind skate videos, which is as antithetical to the prestige costume drama as you can get. It’s a big visual clue that that’s not what you’re going to get, and instead something, “cruelly contemporary.” A great description.

[@tatehildyard5332]

Kinography 1994 I thought those lenses were about expanding the space to make it look grotesque and entirely divorced from reality (which life in her court was).

[@Kitsua]

I personally hated the fish-eye lens and felt it detracted from an otherwise good film.

[@gordygibson4558]

@@Kitsua - the movie is about OUR (the favOURite ) contemporary instagrammable world in which mindless nobodies rise to influence the powerful yet unqualified elite based solely on hysterically childish likes.

[@compulsiverambler1352]

@@Kitsua The makers said the visual style was designed to make the royal and noble characters look lonely and trapped in the huge imposing palace at the same and vulnerably exposed and self-conscious to the gaze of their colleagues and servants as they walk around. I find it works for me but I understand why some people don't like it.

[@ellenspear50]

The very strange dance sequence signaled most strongly that what we're seeing is not firmly set in the historical time. It was hilarious.

[@wendellwiggins3776]

A lot it was tragic

[@the57bears]

'Gallivanting around being fops' has got to be my favourite sentence of the week.

[@david.hirsch4235]

Fops were actually immensely vicious and well-trained individuals masquerading behind 'fluff' - revisit Lord Ludd "Barry Lyndon" ..... and Boy did they know how to wield a sword! Ditto "Dangerous liaisons".

[@jmwilliams88]

Mark is very good at picking up the visual allusions to classic storybook iconography. I wouldn't have thought of an Alice in Wonderland comparison for this film (just as I didn't pick up on the Beauty and the Beast imagery in Phantom Thread) but it really fits. To survive in Queen Anne's court one would have to be as Mad as a Hatter.

[@realboinger]

I enjoyed this film for the second time yesterday. This time I noticed that the “scrapy violin” occurs with Queen Anne and her pain. If you’ve ever had to just live through horrible pain with no relief except its passing on its own, this is exactly what happens in your head, in time with your heartbeat. So, when you see Queen Anne, you feel her incessant pain and you can sympathise. Because, as Olivia Coleman said, her pain informs herself. She’s just surviving pain constantly and that would make anyone at least erratic. In short, excellent use of the “scrapy violin”, of the soundtrack as a whole, actually. Scrapy violin and absence of are equally important.

[@CinemaStudies]

Walked out of this film uncertain of how I felt. But it’s been a splinter in my mind. I just can’t stop thinking about it. It’s incredibly well crafted. I need to see it again before I make a final decision. I definitely like it more the more it sits with me.

[@danyl123]

Next time don't walk out! ;)

[@TomRipley7350]

When will you reach your final decision? I'm on the edge of my seat here.

[@ctrlaltdelete200390]

I suspect just like the Lobster, you expected it to be laugh out funny based on the trailer, but it wasn't. It's deeper than that

[@powerliftingcentaur]

Josh, I hated this hellish film peopled by the damned. It’s really ok to reject it. I should have walked out myself. It is a film of great art but created towards what purpose. I shall find my meaningful experience somewhere else.

[@margaretmcgarry7796]

Josh Wingard You need to get out more

[@EctothermalPuppy]

I loved this one. I liked his previous films but this one is my.....wait for it....favourite so far.

[@EzeICE]

Heeeey! I see what you did there. Very good, very very goodie good good. Right, right?? Right, right!!

[@Mel1lvar]

This is better than Mary queen of scots in every conceivable way, if you're going to watch a period drama in the new year then let it be this one.

[@WildwoodClaire1]

Yes, this film is infinitely better than Mary, Queen of Scots, which is just about as close to history as Cheez-Whiz is to actual cheese. In short, Mary Queen of Scots manages to be cheesy without offering any nutritional value.

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

Doubt Ill see either of them, this one looks plain stupid and Mary Queen of Scots has Margot Robbie really straining to lose her Australian accent. Think I'll pass on both of them.

[@JamesHarris-hl2bm]

Mary Queen of Scots with Glenda Jackson and Vanessa Redgrave was excellent. The new version is horrible and such a waste given the talent in it.

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

Obvioulsy that's what I meant settle down idiot @yeah, right

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

To me its a sign of the times that such large historical roles are being played by fairly lightweight actors (with all due respect to Robbie she might be fine in modern day films but a historical piece requires a lot more gravitas). I am Australian myself but I wouldn't have have casted Margot Robbie Aussies cant be playing royals really unless youre an expert at accents (which Robbie isn't really) its never going to wash. Rachel Weisz is fine for this she has the weight for drama but I duno Olivia pulls it off completely I think they got her cos they were going the comedy route and Olivia's career with the exception of Broadchurch has mainly been comedy, again she isn't really heavy enough for a royal. But there's so few actresses these days of the calibre of Judi Dench that they had to go with someone and since Olivia's career has been comedy based and they wanted to go the comedy route they thought she was a perfect fit. @@JamesHarris-hl2bm

[@ijeleo92]

Yorgos is becoming one of my favourite directors. His films are so beautifully thematic. They’re odd and funny and jarring and he keeps using my most beloved actors in his film!

[@WildwoodClaire1]

I hope that the three principal actresses are honored for their performances and that the film also wins an award for its stunning cinematography.

[@kumaridesilva]

the dance scene was awesome - I loved this film

[@HolisticHealthWithHarry]

Uyep :)

[@moneycannotbeeaten]

Genius film. Political and historical satire with brilliant feminist and tragic comedy themes throughout.

[@Avratin]

@Luke Coyle How is it sexist? To whom is it sexist?

[@Avratin]

@Luke Coyle I didn't find it sexist at all. I don't think by portraying unattractive traits in its lead women that the movie is sexist, those women are bad, dont feel it is saying anything about females in general.

[@morgancockram9833]

Luke Coyle there are many films with incompetent and immature men in the lead roles, I highly doubt you’d call those films sexist, would you?

[@plodmama]

I have a point to add, fwiw, - he says "what happens within their personal relationships has repercussions..." I think (as a historian said but i can't remember who) that the women in real life were motivated by their politics, Sarah for the Whigs (in power at the time), Abigail for the Tories. And i think this makes sense within the film narrative too. It's not just personal, at least for Sarah, who does actually know/did know politics. Also, the men may seem irrelevant and the women have power but don't forget there is a reason that Sarah doesn't speak in the chamber - as a woman she has no official capacity in the political realm, she can only influence the monarch who has ultimate power. And Abigail can only use her sexual attraction and charisma to manipulate the men and, to some extent, the queen.

[@Rev1205]

"...yeah but why do I have to suffer?" Simon, never change.

[@WildwoodClaire1]

Perhaps the most depressing thing about this film is that it is surprisingly close to the actual history. The lesbian relationships are a bit of a stretch but not implausible and, as a matter of fact, the Duchess of Marlborough (Sarah Churchill) spread catty rumors about the relationship between the queen and Abigail Masham. The grotesque fashions of Queen Anne's court, especially men's fashions, are mercilessly skewered. One looks back in astonishment at the clownish exteriors of the peerage at that time.

[@JillSaville]

I agree. I am wondering if we need to give more liberty to men to wear what they wish and be who they are today.

[@margaretmcgarry7796]

Loved it the three main females were brilliant. It is black comedy with a dash of tragedy. Coleman was amazing as usual . She deserves an Oscar

[@reservoirdude92]

Yorgos Lanthimos is a filmmaker who specializes in films that capture the most mundane aspects of society and human nature, twisting those elements into something (seemingly) cold and distant, unexpectedly (and surprisingly) violent, and dryly (yet amazingly) hilarious. I haven't seen it yet, but I truly believe (based on my love of the work of Lanthimos) that The Favorite will be a film to beat this year, and well beyond early next year.

[@luisfedericosala1354]

Colman, Stone and Weiz are all of them, amazing in this film. Bravo.👏👏👏👏🌺🌹🌷😍

[@NxDoyle]

Olivia Colman is proof that you can deliver a superlative-defying performance without 'method' or hyper-research. If the storyteller tells the story well, the actor only needs the story.

[@username4570]

For my money this is a perfect film. Yorgos is a genius who keeps on improving and it is so exciting to be witnessing it live

[@aclark903]

Have to say haven't seen it yet. But the character assassination of historic royal personages with no regard to historical accuracy merely for entertainment seems a little low.

[@username4570]

@@aclark903 I'm sorry you feel that way. I saw it as a film, the truth of it never crossed my mind. If that is your motivation for watching though I would advise you to stay clear or reassess why you watch films.

[@joebaker1]

@@aclark903 We shouldn't pretend that the monarchs of the past were all saintly. Some of them were appalling. The Favourite is a wonderfully entertaining film. It's so creatively put together that no one will confuse it with a documentary.

[@aclark903]

@@joebaker1 Not claiming Queen Anne was a saint. She doesn't deserve this either.

[@username4570]

A Clark I'm glad the world doesn't share your view. It's a wonderful film and I'd be sad if we were denied it. No one will walk out of it thinking it accurately represents history, that's very clearly not the point.

[@Wheel333]

I unfortunately missed this at the weekend but my Mum went to see it and was a little shocked by the characters language and behaviour, but she said she didn't mind the fingering. Too much information Mum .o_O.

[@YouHaveBeenWatchingFilms]

Saw this the other day. Olivia Colman is a treat going through such a wide range of emotions so quickly but effortlessly, when she's on screen it's never a dull moment. The film is never dull at all though, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz have a cleverly manipulative game they play - they're so intense and everyone has ulterior motives. Genuinely thrilling film, I wish I could write razor sharp dialogue like that.

[@pauielicious4433]

As much as Sarah's love is honest, you wouldn't say it's the kind of love you would instantly feel loved and supported. Actually, it's the kind of love you would recognized "love" when you experienced something lower. I guess at the end of the day, there's a crucial balance of honesty and tenderness for a better communication of one's love.

[@Luvie1980]

I love this movie...so much better than these overhyped movies

[@macman8057]

Enjoyed the film but did feel it was 30 mins too long. The funny parts were brilliant and the acting was amazing :). Awards well deserved

[@laburgy]

I would of enjoyed another hour. A wonderful film for women to enjoy. I have spent far to many hours being bored by "boy's films" XXX

[@eme.261]

"I'm out of cliches. I'm sorry." Mark Kermode 😂😂

[@apinanthimtong2218]

Its been 9 hours now since I saw this film,and I am still thinking about it. Iike it or not,it was a remarkable film

[@foodoo80]

James is i I agree. Beautiful and haunting.

[@gisawslonim9716]

All I have ever known of Queen Anne is that she lent her name to a certain style of furniture and of course to Queen Ann's Lace, a lovely and lacy white flower that grows wild in Britain as well as most of Europe.

[@Windupchronic]

Loved this movie. Just got back from seeing it, and definitely going to see it again.

[@chrishiggins7166]

The film’s terrifically acted, stylish, well written, well directed, well scored & is A very well crafted biopic. (86%) (4.5/5 stars) (positive)

[@NeoLithiumCat]

It seems to me that whether or not people enjoyed this film depends on what they were expecting. If they'd seen the trailer or they were expecting a standard period drama, it's the opposite of that. In fact, it's all about undermining that style and critiquing the period's absurd political norms. If you're going into it expecting experimental film making, it fulfils that on a really high level. I went into it knowing nothing but the director's previous work and loved it. If I'd been expecting a by-the-numbers film, I'm sure I would have been profoundly wrong-footed and unsettled.

[@aldiergreen]

"But why do I have to suffer?" resumes what I think about Yorgos Lantimos films. I´ve seen them all many times, voluntarily.

[@knowingtoomuch666]

From the clip of the movie itself makes me want to see this movie. I won't miss it, for sure.

[@stephenprendergast6939]

I hear it's the favourite to win best picture.

[@midnightrambler3653]

Well Oscar best pictures usually aren't very good.

[@HolisticHealthWithHarry]

Agree! :)

[@TheMikenanners]

midnight rambler Birdman 4

[@stephenprendergast6939]

@@TheMikenanners nice profile pic.

[@sourabhmanhar5637]

Sorry for what happened.

[@mattkemerait]

This movie deserved best picture over Green Book by a mile. Near flawless execution.

[@alphabetaxenonzzzcat]

This reminded me a bit of both The Draughtsman’s Contract and Barry Lyndon. I actually don’t think the film worked. Also - can’t understand the plaudits for Coleman - in my opinion, Weisz’s pretty much has the most important role.

[@darthnagus5457]

Imperious is a good word. I need to use imperious more often.

[@luisfedericosala1354]

I watched this film four times. It happened to me the same, with Black Swan.

[@Comakino]

"Draughtman's Contract meets Bound" - I'm down to see that movie

[@HolisticHealthWithHarry]

Its a great movie :)

[@BP-kx2ig]

See Olivia Coleman in 2012 - BBC comedy about the London Olympics. She is brilliant

[@regbollocks8939]

2012 is probably the funniest thing I've ever seen. Olivia is, as always, brilliant in that too

[@Ben-nr2rm]

Brilliant brilliant brilliant

[@apinanthimtong2218]

That clip is the only mainstream comedy in it.its much darker and art house than the trailer. I liked it for many reasons.Its one that sticks in your head but I took my 70 year old mother to it and she hated it almost more than is humanely possible

[@josephinewinter]

they made us protestant! How do you not know this? Very important!

[@893loses]

So pumped for this movie

[@DandyLion662a]

I always find Kermode's reviews interesting even if I dislike some of the films he likes, and vice versa. In this case, while I often enjoy historical dramas, praising a film for being "cruelly contemporary" gives me pause. Probably something to rent/stream/download rather then seeing it in the cinema.

[@randomman4797]

DandyLion662a please go and see it you won’t regret it!

[@Malky5279]

I enjoyed the three leads performances. Olivia Coleman probably does steal the show. It held my attention, I was amused where I think I was meant to be and empathised with and was repulsed by the 3 character's at different times. I was a bit bemused by the ending with the rabbit imagery merging with the final scene between Olivia Coleman and Emma Stone.

[@Phaedra389]

I definitely was divided between sympathising and disliking the 3 leads. They were all horrible in part and all likeable and vulnerable in part.

[@Scarletbanned]

what did the rabbit imagery mean to you tho? that no matter how much power you attain, you can still feel weak and helpless? that goddamn rabbit symbolism is messin with me lol

[@Malky5279]

In the moment I was nonplussed and mostly I could only think that it was going to seriously annoy my partner who isn't as keen to go see films as much as myself and I was thinking she is going to hate this ending immensely and add this to a not insubstantial list she bears something of a grudge for me making her go see.

[@luckyspurs]

Just saw it. Absolutely loved it.

[@troygaspard6732]

I enjoyed this dark comedy. Stone's character gets what she wants, but the last imagine in the film with her looking up at the Queen... Be careful for what you wish.

[@oriel9347]

3:40 It's like an Adam Ant music video for 2 hours.

[@jonathanb1406]

I thought Simon overstated the bit of music that apparently wound him up so much. I heard this review before seeing it and was expecting it to be like the music that plays in the second half the trailer recurring throughout it, but it was the quieter part of that track.

[@turnedaround4954]

All three actresses were amazing. Olivia is the best of them though her accent brought her score down slightly for me. Overall a special movie I will watch again for years to come

[@zetareticuli1904]

Olivia Coleman, wistfully very good at being embarrassed at things.

[@schmoab]

I saw the trailer at least a dozen times when seeing other movies. It shows almost every key scene. This diminished my experience of the film. The performances were absolutely excellent, even though the otherwise straightforward story was made quite fuzzy (furry) in the end by Yorgos.

[@TheWaynos73]

The Favourite was deeply fked up. I felt confused and challenged. I loved it.

[@bebaguette766]

I haven't enjoyed Lathimos' films, but this looks like a perfect fit for me.

[@petermuller7079]

Does ANYBODY enjoy Lathimos' films? ;-) I really LOVE them ... but it's really not entertainment und 'enjoying' doesnt fit my emotions....

[@Bababouka]

It’s the first Lanthimos film which I’ve liked... maybe because he didn’t write it himself

[@tatehildyard5332]

I’ve enjoyed all of the ones I’ve seen so far. The only one I haven’t seen is The Alps.

[@GetBaesEveryday]

I’m the same way. Never saw the lobster. And I saw The Killing of a Sacred Deer and (I’m sorry) HATED it. This movie however is SO GOOD. My favorite of the year! No pun intended.

[@tyxeri48]

@@Bababouka Oh he did. He was involved in the writing in every single stage for years.

[@david.hirsch4235]

A 'period' "The Devil Wears Prada" and / or an extended Jennifer Saunders ~ Dawn French sitcom ...... It has absolutely NOTHING to do with the actual Historical Characters, but does provide great laughs ... Cole is a 'discovery' [close to Dawn French though]. If you're looking for 'Barry Lyndon' - don't. Immense liberties are taken with the period, dialogue and characters.

[@Stonehengoo]

Yup, I wanted it to be Barry Lyndon but it isn't. I still haven't seen it.

[@josephinewinter]

i loved olivia colman when she was in that comedy and everyone else didn't know who she was, sometimes i'm right!

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

in what comedy? She's done a lot of comedy, you mean Peep Show?

[@Phaedra389]

@@optimisticwhovian1726 I assume it is Green Wing. Olivia Coleman was a typist/assistant to Joanna Clore (Pippa Haywood) mad head of admin. The running gag was Olivia Coleman was always pregnant and losing/forgetting her children.

[@HolisticHealthWithHarry]

Best film of 2019

[@spikeep6141]

It was Kubrickian. A perfect compliment to the SECOND half of Barry Lyndon (the good half).

[@NeoLithiumCat]

Yes it reminded me of that. Similar level of craft and a similar sense of commentary on a period setting rather than the typical obsession with absolute accuracy. Both films have a definite opinion on their subject matter and both express the problems with having absurd levels of power in that period

[@chrisgrant5896]

thelithiumcat I don’t think it does have similar levels of craft. Also don’t feel Kubrick’s film offers a definite opinion - part of its brilliance. But they are set in a similar period.

[@RhodesidesReviews]

I think Kubrick gives us so much to make our own minds up on, whereas the favourite is quite blatant in its messaging

[@spikeep6141]

@@RhodesidesReviews Really? What •is• it’s “Messaging”?

[@RhodesidesReviews]

@@spikeep6141 Complexity of women, futility of male posturing, fragility of those we hold in high regard, being at the top isn't always worth striving for

[@hilaryc8648]

A good film with three good leads. For my money Weiss edges it and had the most complex character to portray. Liked the rabbits - why not? However I found the music heavy handed (I was getting an augmented Greenaway feel) and I feel the fish eye or 360 or whatever it was, and I got what they going for, was overused to the point where it started to feel hammy. It does feel a couple of reels too long but on the whole I'd recommend it for the performances.

[@amanjaiswal9389]

What was the purpose of the fish eye lens that were used in so many scenes in the film?What do they imply?

[@francois928]

Aman Jaiswal isolation

[@thecreaturesofhabit1848]

Wide angle lens is a ‘fish eye’ lens

[@NxDoyle]

Olivia Colman is just so good.

[@travispickle2147]

Must the duck be here? 😂

[@zimnaya]

The thing that nobody seems to have queried on any of these sites where "The Favourite" is being discussed is, if it is true that the Queen and the Duchess of Marlborough did indeed go beneath the sheets together, where do those 17 terrible tragic pregnancies fit in, and where indeed her well attested affection for her husband, Prince George of Denmark? Personally, I think the sapphic side of things is yet to be proved. Sarah Churchill - the Duchess of Marlborough - was a resolutely unpleasant woman in reality, and the aspersions or suggestions of sapphic affection stem from her threatening (well, let us tell the truth - blackmailing) letters to the Queen when she had fallen from favour.

[@MrMerseyblue]

I wish I could watch films like Mr Kermode. When I watch a film I'm like yeah that was great but I don't see films like him. I enjoy or dislike but never sure why. At least not like he does.

[@louisericketts6738]

So glad Simon is still on the BBC but will really miss him on The Drivetime show. All because of the BBC's "we know best attitude".

[@nick_malone]

You're my ballast Mark

[@cush6827]

The miscarriages and dead children of queen Anne were horrible, no wonder she was depressed all the time. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne,_Queen_of_Great_Britain#Pregnancies

[@oliver91ist]

Cruelty commentary very true Mark especially since it’s postmodern, all the clothes despite their period appearance are in fact denim and leather and the dance is a mashup of Voguing and period moves. It’s the polished cousin to Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette

[@londiwemkenene2280]

I don't understand the ending 😢

[@skawashers]

The increasing amount of rabbits to signify that the queen continuous loss of love and friendship. Each loss of either and another rabbit appears

[@shanehaynes4896]

I thought this film was excellent, I love Olivia Colman, Rachel Weiz and Emma Stone also very good, I have to admit if I did not own an unlimited card I would have waited for it to arrive on Film 4, always thought the trailer looked good, but as I have never been a fan of pompous period dramas I was still not sure, the guy wanking in the carriage and the explanation from the maid as to why the mud smells funny got me hooked. 8/10

[@Johonnac]

Shane Haynes I missed what the maid said about the mud?

[@jamessimon3433]

Were I to be rancorously grasped about the gullet and downstairs area, there are none finer suited than Rachel Weisz

[@cliveosullivan9934]

Really enjoyed this film a lot but the very end spoilt it for me a little.

[@jasonmoser8957]

the story is the weakest part of the movie especially the ending. Overall a very good (not great) movie. Acting is the 3 ladies is superb. Should have been some awards handed out.

[@Ian-rj6fq]

I can’t take anything these guys say seriously. After all they thought The Last Jedi was a great film.

[@graphiquejack]

The script and the acting was sublime. The camerawork and the costume choices I could live with, but the score was unforgivable. Sometimes you just need to tell the story. Arty heavyhanded direction csncbe taken too far. In this case, for me, it was the score.

[@josephinewinter]

queen anne having a lover is a big extension of the known truth, people - enjoy the film, but don't base your historical knowledge on this!

[@dpj1]

I understand that, in actuality, after Sarah Churchill fell out of favour with Anne she (SC) started making libellous claims and conjured malicious rumours in her journals, about Abigail & Anne being lesbians

[@angelicvixen]

I just loveeeeeeeeeed this movie :)

[@mistressbrindello]

If you only has one word to sum up this film it would be 'bonkers'!

[@jonathant4201]

What is it with Yorgos and scrape noises.

[@donnathomas2297]

A movie with the focus is three women. The few men are buffoons.

[@pinkgregory4365]

late to comment here, but *excellent* swearing from the cast throughout

[@GA-1st]

I genuinely HATED this movie. Cruel, indeed, and to everyone and everything - particularly the audience. And that includes even the gender it claims to celebrate. An exercise in the ultimate cynicism, that manages to be both a misandrist and misogynist polemic at the same time. Good work, Yorgos, who obviously fancies himself a modern day Kubrick. He has far more in common with Ed Wood. Goes to show that even Kermode, who I've respected ever since John Carpenter gave him brutally hard time, isn't always right...

[@robcarrier1969]

Olivia Colman and Rechel Weisz are beyond reproach for their performances, but as a whole I found this film to be quite annoying, the soundtrack in particular is very irritating at times. I also take issue with it being described as a comedy, I did laugh twice to be fair... but overall it was hard work. My wife gave up half way through but I stuck it out to the end. I can't help but think there's something of The Emperor's New Clothes about this film. And reading the reviews on Rotten Tomatoes it's clear that the paying audience has a different opinion about this film to the critics. I don't mind weird films, David Lynch is a favourite of mine, it's more that while well acted the characters are pretty much universally unlikable and it's hard to really care what happens.

[@mizofan]

Colman is excellent in it but to call her star of the film rather than co-star (which she prefers) is yet again to privilege (deeply flawed) royalty.

[@amyclarke41]

its great but a part disturbed me but no spoilers 😣

[@mrsandyq]

*I think I know the part. Me too... but I still loved it.

[@jorductions]

This movie made me feel like i overdressed on every drug

[@bijibadness]

so, in summation, it wasn't the favorite.

[@nasserkhan674]

Why?

[@alexiswalmsley6203]

The Sense of Heft.

[@percyweasley9301]

You shouldn't spoil

[@divyenjoshi1168]

Can someone please tell me so badly if this was supposed to be slightly square? Because I just watched it at the cinema and it didn't fill the whole screen, I'd love to know if it was supposed to be like this because something felt off.

[@WillOrr1]

I noticed this, presume it must be a stylistic choice or because of the fish eye lenses used

[@moodfox6024]

This isn't a review. It's a synopsis.

[@AllIsWellaus]

You really need to get rid of your negative, simplistic sidekick. He really is a bore.

[@Sherlika_Gregori]

I slept at the end and don’t know who the favourite is.

[@margaretmcgarry7796]

Sherlika G God I was intrigued how could anyone sleep at this

[@elfsieben1450]

@@margaretmcgarry7796 Sleep deprivation in the weeks before or a very short attention span, I guess...

[@ManukyanAnita]

It's not a comedy, nothing funny even though there are funny scenes... There is so much drama and sadness about all characters, and the funny bits only emphasise that sadness.

[@mrsandyq]

The dialogue was hilarious... so YES it was a comedy/drama... smh

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

My 68 year old mum saw this and said it was utterly ridiculous, she could see they were going for the comedy angle but she said it was just stupid. Sounds like one of those "Lets be trendy with period pieces" films like A Knight's Tale.

[@optimisticwhovian1726]

Not really, Ive seen the making of the film, the director said specifically that, he wanted knights depicted as akin to rock stars, hence the use of rock music on the sountrack so yes it was EXACTLY about making them trendy idiot. @@gilbertwalker3222

[@aikighost2827]

Whooosh.... the sound of the movie going over you old mams head.

[@Avratin]

It's a funny movie but it's not a comedy.

[@margaretmcgarry7796]

Optimistic Whovian I’m 68 and I adored it it’s black comedy for gods sake

[@rodgey1]

Sadly, as much as I like all the actors I found the film unbelievable, slightly pretentious and a bit tedious. I should have guessed, is it not directed by my last years worst film, the killing of the sacred deer?

[@jeysey200]

A friend of mine watched this movie recently with some of his colleagues from film school, and they absolutely hated it. I hope they it isn’t the slow, boring, over-hyped mess that they made it out to be, because I love the directors previous movies.

[@Starkardur]

It's dark deadpan humor - It may not appeal to mainstream America much.

[@jasoncha1973facup]

Go and see it. Get new friends with better taste.

[@Sam-zj6mw]

Yep, your friends are thick as pigshit.

[@JeffCreates]

There's an awful lot of the film given over in this 9 minutes. I'm not entirely sure i'd feel the need to see it (if i hadn't already) from seeing this, as much as i love Mark