Bold as ever, this film received wide critical acclaim upon its first release in 2018 and is raved about for everything from casting right down to its costumes.

As a satirical dark comedy period drama, The Favourite caused waves within cinema when it appeared on screens, set against the backdrop of 18th-century Great Britain. It sets out to examine the relationship between cousins in the royal family as they fight it out to be the favourite of Queen Anne.

It was decided by the American Film Institute that The Favourite should be considered one of the top films released that year, but more importantly, it is considered one of the best films of the 21st century. Helping to bring the story to life are the incredible female trio: Olivia Colman as the queen, alongside Emma Stone playing Abigail and Rachel Weisz as Sarah.

Viewers can’t help but praise the cast in the film, with one writing on Rotten Tomatoes: “The Favourite is anchored by three exceptional performances by three incredibly talented actresses, one of whom earned her Academy Award for Best Actress. Displaying lavish costumes and opulent sets, the movie is visually stunning and made only better by the cinematography that captures its beauty.”

Whilst England is at war with the French, back on the royal grounds is a frail Queen Anne, whose friend Lady Sarah helps to lead the country in her wake. As Sarah tends to her majesty’s health, with a great fiery temper, a new servant on the scene, called Abigail, threatens her close-knit relationship with Anne.

Abigail is taken under the wing of Sarah, and her charm makes it all the more seamless. As she nears closer to the royals’ inner circle, she sees a chance of returning to her well-off roots. Although, to get what she wants, that top spot by the queen’s side, the two contend through sad attempts to manipulate and impress their ruler.

One review claims: “I walked in expecting a stilted costume drama and was overjoyed to find that it was a rather raunchy, stylised comedy of manners, sex, and power. I discovered and fell in love with Olivia Colman on the spot as she brought to life a Queen Anne that no one ever has nor ever will see again. Brilliantly bonkers satire! (Don’t watch if you think you’ll be getting a BBC-style history lesson.)”

Another person shared: “Brilliant. Nuanced. Hilarious. A great depiction of the corruption of power. Brilliantly acted and directed.”

Joining the already impressive cast of actors on screen are Joe Alwyn, who plays Samuel Masham, and Nicholas Hoult as Harley, along with Mark Gattiss, who plays Lord Marlborough. Together they helped the film to achieve great success, with ten Academy Award nominations and seven BAFTA awards.

One raving review reads: “The best movie ever made! With the best acting ever by an ensemble, including the best acting performance from Olivia Colman! Plus, the best casting ever done in a movie! Also, the best directing from Yorgos Lanthimos! As well as the best movie screenplay ever written! Not to mention the best editing ever done in a movie!”

All two hours of the award-winning modern classic period drama are available to stream now on Disney+. Or, viewers can rent The Favourite on both Amazon Prime and Apple TV.