The Favourite

Theatrical release poster

The Favourite is a gorgeous and haunting 18th century period-piece detailing the love-power-friendship triangle between Anne, the Queen of England (played deliciously by Olivia Coleman), Sarah, her childhood friend and most trusted confidante (Rachel Weisz), and Abigail, the new variable to the story who tries to win the Queen’s favour (Emma Stone). 

The film is based on real events that occurred around 1706 during Britain’s controversial war with France over Spain’s succession. There are politics and power-plays all around the monarchy, but this story does well by focusing mainly on these three woman, each demonstrating incredible depth of character. Queen Anne is not well physically or mentally so she relies on Sarah to act as the leader of the government. Although she’s in a very vulnerable position, she still wields power over those around her as she still expects those around her to cater to her whims and desires. Olivia Coleman plays her beautifully, adding in the perfect amount of humor at the right times to bring a little levity to what could be a dark, dark movie. Rachel Weisz is stunning as Sarah who is loyal to her friend and lover (Anne), but who is weary of the constant struggle she presents. Emma Stone’s Abigail has lost her former-station in life and enters the castle as a scullery maid, but she’s Sarah’s cousin, which gives her an in and sets her into position to ally with Anne, squeezing Sarah out in the process. 

Olivia Coleman won The Favourite’s only Oscar, but the film was nominated for 10 awards, tying Roma for the most nominations of any film. Of course, Weisz and Stone were nominated for their grand supporting actress turns. I’m surprised that it didn’t win for Costume or Production Design, or even Best Screenplay. However, The Favourite was a clear favourite at the BAFTAs, taking home seven awards, including Best Picture, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actress (Weisz), Best Screenplay and Costume Design among them.

This was an excellent film, as the plethora of awards indicates, and it was one of my top 2 or 3 picks for the Best Picture Oscar this year. But the field was very close this year and I couldn’t decide. The three starring ladies stole the show for sure! I highly recommend this movie to anyone who loves a great character study, especially when based on real people and events. You won’t regret watching it! The Favourite is rated R and can be purchased on DVD or viewed on streaming services.

A Star Is Born (Review)

Theatrical release poster

A Star is Born is the third remake of the original movie from 1937 starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. Names and settings change, of course, but the message is so timeless that this story has resonated with audiences for over 80 years. After the original film, each of the remakes have been musicals, including this rendition. 

A Star is Born tells the story of Jackson (Bradley Cooper), a musician and singer nearing the end of a successful career, who discovers the talented Ally (Lady Gaga) and not only helps boost her career to stardom, but falls in love with her in the process. They have their ups and downs as a couple and career-wise as Ally’s star is shooting up fast but Jackson’s is fading perhaps even faster. Eventually, Jackson turns back to alcohol to cope which ends up threatening their marriage and diminishing some of the light from Ally’s career. Like the three other movies of the same name before, things end tragically for Jackson and Ally, but not before they establish that theirs is a great love story for the ages. 

This film surprised me because it showed a different side to its stars, Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. This was Bradley Cooper’s directorial debut and what an amazing freshman outing! Although he didn’t win any major awards this time, he was nominated for a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for directing. His acting didn’t surprise me. I’ve seen what he can do in other movies like American Hustle and Silver Linings Playbook. But this man can sing, too! He’s definitely got talent by the buckets-full. Conversely, everyone knows Lady Gaga can sing, but she was amazing in this stunning debut. Both Bradley and Lady Gaga were nominated for Best Leading Actor/Actress awards from the Oscars, Golden Globes, BAFTA, and SAG, arguably the top most prestigious awards in the film industry. 

A Star is Born won the Oscar for Best Original Song for “Shallow,” a duet by Cooper and Gaga, which also won them Golden Globes and BAFTA awards. Besides the dynamic duo of Cooper and Gaga, Sam Elliot was recognized with many award nominations for Best Supporting Actor as well. Suffice it to say, this movie is teaming with talent!


This movie is romantic and funny and tragic all at once - all the ingredients for a great movie right in one place! Seriously, I highly recommend this for a movie with your sweetie or just with some wine. The chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga will melt the rest of your world away as you watch their magic. A Star is Born is rated R and available on DVD and streaming services as well. Go see it! You’ll be glad you did!