The Favourite

Main Plot

"The Favourite," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, is set in early 18th century England during the reign of Queen Anne. The story revolves around the intense rivalry between two cousins, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill, who vie for the Queen's favor and influence. Sarah, the Duchess of Marlborough, initially holds significant power as the Queen's close confidante and advisor. However, the arrival of Abigail, who starts as a lowly servant, disrupts this dynamic. Through cunning and manipulation, Abigail quickly ascends the social ladder, seeking to replace Sarah in the Queen's affections and secure her own position at court. The film explores themes of power, loyalty, and ambition, set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal vendettas. As the two women engage in a fierce battle for dominance, their actions have profound consequences for themselves and the nation. The narrative is marked by dark humor, sharp dialogue, and a visually striking aesthetic, making it a compelling and unconventional historical drama.

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 film "The Favourite," directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the conclusion sees the power struggle between Abigail (Emma Stone) and Sarah (Rachel Weisz) reach a decisive end. Abigail, having successfully manipulated her way into Queen Anne's (Olivia Colman) favor, ensures Sarah's banishment from court. Sarah's attempts to expose Abigail's deceit fail, and she is forced to leave with her husband, the Duke of Marlborough. In the final scenes, Abigail's victory seems hollow. She indulges in her newfound power but soon realizes the emptiness of her position. Queen Anne, increasingly frail and emotionally unstable, becomes more dependent on Abigail, who now serves as her closest confidante. However, the queen's affection is fickle and tinged with cruelty. The film ends with a poignant and unsettling sequence where Abigail, now firmly in control, is seen cruelly pressing her foot on one of the queen's pet rabbits, symbolizing her dominance. Meanwhile, Queen Anne, in a state of physical and emotional decay, remains oblivious to Abigail's true nature. The ending underscores the themes of power, manipulation, and the ultimate futility of ambition, leaving a lingering sense of unease and moral ambiguity.