The Favourite

 

In a class of its own.

In early 18th century England, the family of Abigail Hill (Emma Stone) was reduced to poor circumstances, and she was forced to work as a servant. Lady Churchill (Rachel Weisz), Lady of the Bedchamber and close advisor to Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), took Abigail in. Years later, Queen Anne, named Abigail to be Keeper of the Privy Purse, reversing the fortunes of Lady (Sarah) Churchill.

It's a perfect setup for a Merchant Ivory production or pehaps a Shakespearan tragedy, yet The Favourite is a black comedy that plays more like Heathers and Reversal of Fortune collided with the bunny burner moments of Fatal Attraction.
 
Simply put, director Yorgos Lanthimos (The Lobster) has created the comedy romp of the year, and assembled a trio of actors that sizzles onscreen.

The sharply angled camera pivots and extreme wild angle lenses physically prepare the audience for something never seen before on film, and that's half the fun. The contest for Queen Anne's affection is thrilling in the most peculiar way. Not to mention there is plenty of duck racing, tomato tossing and pineapple eating. If that doesn't sound like your cup of tea, I can assure you it is not. For everyone else, prepare yourself for a royally wicked time.
 
In a nutshell: This is not a highbrow affair, but a dark comedy featuring a cynical set of characters you can't take your eyes off of. Not for the whole family. Not for Christmas week.
 
Award potential: Expect quite a tally. I predict Oscars nominations for Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, two for Best Supporting Actress, plus technical awards such as Best Makeup and Hair and Best Costume. 

It's a frontrunner for the SAG ensemble award. Colman (The Crown) should fall in line right behind Glenn Close and Lady Gaga for Golden Globes and other awards, and her chances may improve in time.

The Ten Buck Review: Worth ten bucks. (Opens Friday, November 30)

 Extra five cents: The posters for Lanthimos' films, like his work, are in a league of their own. I've included a few below: