ON SCREEN
Alice Burns finds out about recent film launches and the latest DVD releases
The Favourite
Release Date: 1st January Director: Yorgos Lanthimos
Starring: Olivia Coleman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz and Mark Gatiss
Certificate: 15
It’s the early 18th century and England is at war with the French, with a frail Queen Anne on the throne. Her close friend and advisor, Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead in a period of surprising female assertion. When Abigail, a new servant arrives at court, Lady Sarah takes her under her wing, and Abigail seizes the chance to return to her aristocratic roots. When the war intensifies however, Lady Sarah is forced to turn her attentions to politics, leaving her shoes to be swiftly filled by newcomer Abigail, who won’t let man, woman or status stand in her way.
Mary Queen of Scots
Release Date: 18th January
Director: Josie Rourke
Starring: Margot Robbie, David Tennant, Saoirse Ronan, Guy Pearce and Gemma Chan
Certificate: PG
Sisters, cousins, queens. This is no ordinary family affair. A rich retelling of the clash that sent shockwaves throughout the Tudor kingdom, starring Margot Robbie as the formidable Elizabeth I. As two figureheads striving for independence in increasingly patriarchal realms, Mary and Queen Elizabeth defy increasing political pressures to marry and instead assert their own rights to rule. However, as Mary increasingly flexes her monarchical authority in Scotland, Elizabeth’s rule of the two countries comes under increasing pressure to control this cousinly threat, and with no heir to the throne herself, Elizabeth faces a decision which will change the course of history.
A Simple Favour
Release Date: 29th January
Director: Paul Feig
Starring: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Eric Johnson and Sarah Baker
Certificate: 15
Based on the novel by Darcey Bell, A Simple Favour stars Anna Kendrick as Stephanie, a mummy-vlogger who befriends Emily, an enigmatic working mum played by Blake Lively. As their unconventional friendship develops, the film somehow manages to combine all the dark mystery of a classic noir, fused together with the mum-centric ethos of a domestic comedy. When Emily suddenly goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Stephanie takes it upon herself to find her new friend. However, it soon becomes clear that Emily’s disappearance was just the tip of a much bigger iceberg in this twisted tale of love and revenge, loyalty and murder.
