My mother-in-law saw this movie and never realized that it is a comedy.  Such are its serious subject matter, viperish tone, mean-spirited hijinks and deadly consequences, that it defies traditional categorization.  It is a fascinating, darkly humorous, absolutely troubling glimpse into the history of merry old England, when it paid to be on the good side of Queen Anne (surprise Oscar winner Olivia Colman).  Like the film itself, my feelings about it are complex and contradictory.

Yorgos Lanthimos’ film may be historically correct — I sincerely hope not! — but its real power is exploring the triangular relationship between Queen Anne, her right-hand advisor Lady Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz) and newcomer Abigail Hill (Emma Stone), cousin to Lady Sarah.  Queen Anne favors Lady Sarah, but Abigail captures her fancy, and as Abigail ascends into favor it becomes clear that the country begins to suffer.  Ignoring the admittedly fascinating interpersonal ramifications, I think the film’s indictment of Queen Anne’s hedonism and abandonment of official duty is a cautionary tale that is also aimed at the misadventures of our current American administration.

It is a rare film that offers three such unique and powerful female roles, illustrating that stories about women can be and often are just as strong and exciting as male-led movies.  The intrigue that plays out in the palace is complex and Machiavellian, from the cruelty of the kitchen staff to delicate (and even sexual) manipulation of the queen.  Layers of meaning and ambiguity pepper each chapter, each scene, so viewers can interpret matters in their own ways.  Cynical, black comedy, or introspective, cruel drama; sometimes both at the same time.  Lanthimos ramps up the intrigue visually by employing odd camera angles, fish-eye lenses and extreme close-ups to focus our attention on the discordant.

It’s quite a film, but it’s also a bit much, especially at the ending with all those rabbits, which I take to symbolize the ineffectual rule of Queen Anne moving forward.  I like the film a great deal, but I don’t love it; nevertheless, it’s one I will remember and think about for a long time.  This Greek director is making strange movies (like The Lobster) which have a great deal to say.  This is a good one.  ☆ ☆ ☆.  5 April 2019.