Critical popcorn

UPDATED 25/7 with new stills, right here…

Yorgos Lanthimos, director of The Lobster, returns with The Favourite on 1 January 2019 and this seriously funny,  unique-looking adventure already feels inspired. Set in the early 18th century where England are at war with the French but… duck racing and pineapple eating are all the rage – you’re still with me aren’t you?

Here we meet a frail Queen Anne, played by the extraordinary Olivia Colman, who sits on the throne while her close friend Lady Sarah, the excellent Rachel Weisz, governs the country whilst also tending to Anne’s bad health and furious temper. When new servant Abigail (woman of the moment Emma Stone) arrives, Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots…

The Favourite co-stars Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, James Smith, Mark Gatiss and this first teaser is one to behold, watch now:

The Favourite opens in UK cinemas on 1 January, 2019, from Fox Searchlight UK.