The Favourite

It is a historical tragicomedy by one of the key directors of the Greek Weird Wave. Relentless as only Yorgos Lanthimos can be, the film tells the story of palace intrigues, codependent relationships, and power struggles, brought to life by three brilliant actresses (Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, and Rachel Weisz). The plot unfolds in 18th-century England, during the exhausting war with France. The two female favorites engage in a merciless battle for the favor of the aging, mentally unstable Queen Anne. While it may be formally labeled as a love triangle, there is no love to be found, as everyone at court is out for themselves.

The film captivatingly explores the phenomenon of power: how it can isolate, exacerbate fears, or render a person infantile. Yorgos Lanthimos stated, «Many factors can influence people's decisions: personal relationships, moods, and chance. And when a person holds power, their whims can change the fate of a nation. It's quite scary to think about, but it remains relevant._

 «The Favourite» premiered at the Venice Film Festival (where it won the Grand Jury Prize) and soon received ten Academy Award nominations. The American Film Institute included it in their list of the top 10 films of 2018.