The Favourite 2018
Directed by
Giorgos Lanthimos
Made by
Fox Searchlight Pictures
Plot Summary
Discover the intricate plot of The Favourite (2018). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
In the early 18th century, around 1708, England finds itself embroiled in a war against the French. At the center of this political turmoil is Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), a middle-aged monarch suffering from frailties and ill temper, who relies heavily on her childhood friend and trusted advisor, Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Sarah, a calculated and astute figure, aids Anne as she navigates the weighty decisions brought on by the ongoing conflict.
Into this intricate web steps Abigail (Emma Stone), Sarah’s cousin, who arrives at the royal estate in a rather unfortunate manner—falling into muck as she steps out of her carriage. Upon her entrance, the castle’s staff playfully mocks her, compelling Abigail to meet her cousin in a state that leaves much to be desired. With her family having fallen on hard times due to her father’s misfortunes, Abigail desperately seeks employment, leading to her position as a maid in the castle. However, the other maids, displaying their mean-spirited nature, subject her to bullying and mistreat her, even causing her some injury in the process.
Meanwhile, Robert Harley (Nicholas Hoult), a local politician, is fervently campaigning for peace to end the war. In contrast, Sidney Godolphin (James Smith) argues vehemently for its continuation. Sarah skillfully sways Anne to tax the citizenry more heavily to fund the war efforts, drawing Harley’s ire.
One night, as Anne suffers an excruciating gout attack, Abigail seizes the moment, stealing away into the woods to gather herbs for a makeshift remedy. It is here that she crosses paths with the dashing Samuel Masham (Joe Alwyn), setting the stage for a complicated romance. After sneaking into Anne’s chamber to apply the herbs, Abigail’s scheme is discovered by Sarah, who initially punishes her for the deception. However, when Abigail’s remedy proves effective in alleviating the queen’s pain, Sarah begrudgingly recognizes her potential and promotes her to assistant, granting Abigail more privileges and independence.
As time progresses, Abigail cunningly ingratiates herself with Anne, particularly through shared conversations about the queen’s beloved rabbits, each representing a lost child. The bond strengthens until a shocking revelation comes to light when Sarah catches Abigail and Anne in a compromising situation. Enraged, Sarah confronts Abigail but ultimately, Abigail’s influence grows, culminating in a scandalous request from Harley—asking Abigail to act as a spy within the queen’s inner circle.
Amidst political machinations, Sarah finds herself injured and incapacitated, throwing the balance of power into chaos. With Sarah absent, Anne is easily swayed by Abigail, who now basks in the privileges of her newfound position and her romance with Masham. As the war intensifies and personal betrayals surface, the stakes grow perilously high. Anne begins to feel the burden of leadership and the trauma of lost affection as Abigail spins her web of manipulation, fueled by a desire for status and love.
The final act delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, as the characters’ fates intertwine in a shocking climax. As Anne’s health deteriorates, Abigail’s role as a confidante shifts dangerously into one of control and treachery. In a twisted resolution, Abigail’s subservience is inverted, with her stepping on one of the queen’s cherished rabbits, symbolizing the complete unraveling of their twisted alliance and the harrowing consequences of ambition in the court.
Timeline
Track the key events of The Favourite (2018) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
The War Begins
In the early 18th century, around 1708, England finds itself embroiled in a war against the French. This conflict creates a challenging political atmosphere, putting pressure on Queen Anne to make difficult decisions as she navigates through the uncertainty.
Queen Anne's Struggles
Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, is depicted as a middle-aged monarch grappling with ill temper and physical frailties. She heavily relies on her childhood friend, Sarah, to help manage the complexities of her reign and the ongoing war.
Abigail's Arrival
Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, makes her entrance at the royal estate, literally falling into muck as she disembarks from her carriage. This comical mishap sets the tone for her difficult start at the castle, where she is mocked by the staff.
A Maid's Plight
Struggling due to her family's hard times and her father's misfortunes, Abigail seeks employment as a maid at the castle. Unfortunately, she faces bullying and mistreatment from the other maids, leading to further injuries and humiliation.
Political Divisions
Within the court, local politician Robert Harley passionately campaigns for peace to end the war, while Sidney Godolphin argues for its continuation. Sarah's influence grows as she convinces Anne to impose heavier taxes to fund the war, igniting tensions with Harley.
A Gout Attack
One fateful night, Queen Anne suffers from an excruciating gout attack, presenting Abigail with an opportunity. She sneaks into the woods to gather herbs for a remedy, a move that unwittingly intertwines her fate with that of the dashing Samuel Masham.
Abigail's Scheme
Abigail sneaks into Anne's chamber to apply the herbs she gathered, but her deception is soon discovered by Sarah. Although she faces punishment for this trickery, the remedy's effectiveness catches Sarah's attention, leading to Abigail's promotion.
Bonding Over Rabbits
As time goes by, Abigail works to ingratiate herself with Queen Anne through shared conversations about the queen's beloved rabbits, which symbolize her lost children. Their bond deepens, showcasing Abigail’s cunning ability to manipulate their relationship.
The Compromising Situation
A pivotal moment occurs when Sarah catches Abigail and Queen Anne in a potentially scandalous situation. Angered by the betrayal, Sarah confronts Abigail, but ultimately, the confrontation only serves to boost Abigail's standing with the queen.
Injury and Power Shift
In a turn of events, Sarah is injured and incapacitated, causing a significant shift in the balance of power within the court. With her main rival sidelined, Abigail begins to exert control over Queen Anne, enhancing her influence and affections.
Manipulative Ambitions
As the war intensifies, Abigail's manipulation of Queen Anne grows increasingly prominent, threatening the stability of their bond. The young maid's desires for power and love spark a tumultuous series of events that impact both personal and political spheres.
The Cost of Betrayal
The final act of the film delves into deep themes of loyalty and betrayal as Abigail endeavors to expand her influence over Anne. As tensions mount, Abigail's ambitions lead to personal and political betrayals that unravel the fabric of their relationships.
Health Deteriorates
Queen Anne’s health continues to decline under the pressure of war and personal loss, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and desperation. As her health falters, Abigail's role shifts from confidante to that of a manipulative mastermind.
The Final Betrayal
In a shocking climax, Abigail steps on one of the queen’s cherished rabbits, serving as a potent symbol of their fractured bond. This act signifies the complete unraveling of their relationship and the lengths to which Abigail will go in her quest for power.
Characters
Meet the characters that bring The Favourite (2018) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Queen Anne
Queen Anne, portrayed by Olivia Colman, is a fragile monarch burdened by her responsibilities and health issues. Her character is defined by her dependence on her inner circle, particularly Sarah and Abigail, who navigate her vulnerabilities for their gain. As the story unfolds, Anne’s emotional turmoil and the weight of her crown become increasingly apparent.
Sarah
Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, is a cunning and astute adviser to Queen Anne. Though initially loyal, her relationship with Abigail becomes strained as Abigail's deception threatens her position. Strong-willed and intelligent, Sarah navigates her political landscape with both finesse and hostility, reflecting the cutthroat nature of court power struggles.
Abigail
Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, is a resourceful and ambitious young woman who ascends in rank through cunning and manipulation. Her journey from a bullied maid to a powerful influencer showcases her determination and adaptability. However, her ruthless ambition ultimately leads to fractured relationships and moral ambiguity, making her a complex figure in the narrative.
Robert Harley
Robert Harley, played by Nicholas Hoult, is a local politician advocating for peace amidst the ongoing war. His character embodies the political struggles of the time, as he maneuvers through alliances and oppositions. Harley's keen interest in the queen and the court's politics showcase the intersection of personal and political ambitions.
Setting
Uncover the settings of The Favourite (2018), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
early 18th century, 1708
The film is set in the early 18th century, a time marked by political strife and war, particularly against the French. This period saw monarchs navigating complex power structures and social hierarchies, with personal relationships deeply intertwined with political ambitions. The era’s social norms and the status of women elevate themes of ambition and betrayal.
Location
England
The movie takes place primarily in England during the early 18th century. The royal estate serves as the backdrop for political intrigue, personal rivalry, and social dynamics of the time. Known for its grandeur, the castle is also a site of hidden agendas and secret relationships amongst the court.
Themes
Explore the core themes of The Favourite (2018). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Loyalty
Loyalty plays a significant role as characters navigate their relationships. Abigail's initial loyalty to her cousin Sarah fluctuates as she becomes embroiled in a complex web of manipulation with Queen Anne. The shifting alliances highlight how loyalty can be tested, particularly in the treacherous environment of the royal court.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as characters betray one another to climb the social ladder. Abigail's rise comes at the expense of Sarah's trust, marking a fall from grace that showcases the brutal nature of court dynamics. The climax culminates in shocking acts of treachery that redefine loyalty among the characters.
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Ambition
Ambition drives the plot forward, especially for Abigail, whose desire for status and love leads her to manipulate those around her. Her journey reflects the lengths individuals will go to seize power and influence in an environment fraught with competition and danger. The film examines the costs of ambition in a highly stratified society.
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