The Favourite

Main Plot

Set in early 18th century England, The Favourite follows the intense political and personal rivalry between two cousins, Sarah and Abigail, as they vie for the favor of Queen Anne. The queen, who is in poor health and emotionally unstable, relies heavily on Sarah, her close confidante and advisor, to navigate the complexities of her reign. However, the arrival of Abigail, a distant relative who has fallen on hard times, disrupts their dynamic. Abigail cunningly seeks to gain the queen's affection and influence, leading to a fierce competition between the two women. As they engage in manipulation, deceit, and strategic alliances, the power struggle unfolds against the backdrop of court politics and personal ambitions, revealing the lengths to which they will go to secure their positions in a world dominated by male authority. The film explores themes of power, loyalty, and the intricacies of female relationships in a patriarchal society.

Characters

• Olivia Colman plays Queen Anne, a frail and emotionally volatile monarch manipulated by her close confidantes vying for power and influence in her court.
• Emma Stone plays Abigail Hill, a cunning servant who schemes her way into the favor of Queen Anne, ultimately becoming a key player in the court's power dynamics.
• Rachel Weisz plays Sarah Churchill, the Duchess of Marlborough, who is the close advisor and confidante to Queen Anne, wielding significant influence over the court and political decisions.

Ending Explained

In the ending of The Favourite, the power dynamics between the three main characters reach a climax. After a series of manipulative schemes and betrayals, Abigail successfully secures her position as the new favorite of Queen Anne, displacing Sarah, who had previously held that title. The final scenes depict Abigail's ascent to power, showcasing her cunning and ambition as she navigates the treacherous court politics. The resolution of the main conflict centers on the struggle for influence over the queen, highlighting themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the lengths individuals will go to achieve their desires. Sarah, once a confidante and ally, finds herself outmaneuvered and ultimately exiled from the queen's inner circle, illustrating the precarious nature of power in their world. Abigail's victory is bittersweet, as it underscores the ruthless environment of the court, where relationships are transactional and trust is fleeting. The ending connects to the overall narrative by emphasizing the cyclical nature of favoritism and ambition. Abigail's rise suggests that the quest for power is never truly stable, leaving the audience to ponder the cost of such ambition and the fragility of human connections in the pursuit of influence.