Is The Favourite a True Story? Ending Explained and Plot
by Swetha P
Updated May 31, 2023
The Favourite
The Favourite, released in 2018, is a period black comedy film co-produced and directed by Yorgos Lanthimos. The screenplay, written by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara, delves into the intriguing relationship between cousins Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz), and Abigail Masham (Emma Stone). Set in early 18th-century Great Britain, the story revolves around their rivalry to become the court favorite of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman).
Principal photography took place from March to May 2017 at Hatfield House and Hampton Court Palace in Hertfordshire. The film premiered at the 75th Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2018, where it received the Grand Jury Prize and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress awarded to Olivia Colman. Following its release in the United States on November 23, 2018, distributed by Fox Searchlight Pictures, it garnered critical acclaim.
The performances of the three leads and Yorgos Lanthimos' direction were particularly praised by critics. The film received widespread acclaim and was recognized with numerous awards and nominations. It secured ten Academy Award nominations, tying with "Roma" for the most nominations at the 2019 ceremony.
Additionally, "The Favourite" won ten British Independent Film Awards, seven BAFTA Awards, and eight European Film Awards. Olivia Colman's portrayal of Queen Anne earned her Best Actress accolades at major award ceremonies, including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes. The film was also recognized by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten films of 2018.
Is The Favourite a True Story?
Is The Favourite Based on a True Story? The Favourite is loosely based on the real-life rivalry between cousins Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and Abigail Masham during the early 18th century. However, it is important to note that the film takes significant liberties with historical accuracy and should not be considered a factual depiction.
Contrary to the film's portrayal, Queen Anne was not a weak and indecisive ruler. She was, in fact, a capable and respected leader who had the support of her advisors. The intense rivalry between Sarah Churchill and Abigail Masham depicted in the film was exaggerated for dramatic effect. In reality, the two women were friends for many years, and their relationship only soured later in Anne's reign.
One notable departure from historical fact in the film is the depiction of a lesbian relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill. There is no concrete evidence to support this portrayal, suggesting that it was a fictional addition to heighten the drama of the story. Despite these historical inaccuracies, The Favourite remains a well-crafted and entertaining film that offers a unique perspective on a particular period in British history.
Its dark humor and clever dialogue have garnered widespread critical acclaim and recognition, including seven Academy Award nominations. It is important, however, to view the film as a work of fiction inspired by historical events rather than a reliable source of historical information.
The Favourite Plot
In 1705, Great Britain is embroiled in a war with France, and Queen Anne's health is deteriorating. She shows little interest in governing and finds solace in activities such as racing ducks and caring for her rabbits, symbolic of the children she lost. Sarah Churchill, Queen Anne's confidante and secret lover, effectively governs the country through her influence over the Queen.
However, Sarah's control is challenged by Robert Harley, the Leader of the Opposition, who opposes raising property taxes to fund the war. Abigail Hill, Sarah's impoverished cousin, arrives at the palace seeking employment. Due to her father's gambling, Abigail is forced to work as a scullery maid. She discovers a remedy for the Queen's gout and gains favor with Sarah after the herbs alleviate the Queen's pain.
Abigail witnesses Sarah and the Queen engaging, which complicates their already strained relationship. Harley approaches Abigail, seeking her assistance in spying on Sarah and the Queen. Though initially refusing, Abigail eventually contemplates Harley's offer. As Sarah focuses on the war effort, Abigail develops a close relationship with Queen Anne.
Sarah becomes aware of this and attempts to remove Abigail from her position. However, Abigail manipulates the Queen's emotions, preventing her ousting. Realizing she has a powerful enemy, Abigail considers Harley's offer once again. Sarah confronts Abigail, threatening to expose her correspondence with the Queen unless she backs down. In retaliation, Abigail poisons Sarah, causing her to have a severe accident.
Believing Sarah has abandoned her, Queen Anne turns to Abigail for companionship and elevates her status by arranging her marriage to Colonel Masham with Harley's assistance. Abigail further solidifies her influence over the Queen's decisions regarding the war. When Sarah returns to court, Abigail offers a truce, but Sarah rejects it and confronts Anne, threatening to reveal their past relationship.
Ultimately, Sarah is sent away from court. With Sarah gone, Abigail becomes complacent in her new position and indulges in courtly affairs. She neglects Queen Anne while abusing her power. One day, Anne catches Abigail mistreating one of her rabbits, leading to a confrontation where Anne exerts her authority over Abigail, forcing her to massage her leg.
As Anne's health declines, Abigail's true nature becomes evident. She intercepts a letter from Sarah to Anne, preventing their reconciliation, and fabricates accusations of embezzlement against Sarah. Anne, deceived by Abigail, exiles Sarah and her husband from Britain. Abigail seizes control but becomes increasingly callous and detached from the Queen.
In the end, Abigail's cruelty is exposed when she abuses one of Anne's rabbits in front of her. Anne, despite her illness, forces Abigail to kneel and massages her leg while exerting dominance over her.
The Favourite Ending Explained
In the climactic ending of "The Favourite," Queen Anne, who has been plagued by illness throughout the film, witnesses Abigail's cruel treatment of one of her cherished rabbits. Filled with righteous fury, Anne summons her remaining strength and confronts Abigail. Despite her physical weakness, Anne displays her regal authority by demanding Abigail to kneel and massage her leg, causing Abigail to wince in pain.
This pivotal moment symbolizes a dramatic shift in the power dynamics between the two women. Abigail, who had cunningly climbed the ranks from a destitute background to a position of influence, now finds herself at the mercy of her own ambition and callousness. In contrast, Anne, though physically frail, reasserts her sovereignty and asserts control over Abigail.
The scene serves as a powerful allegory for the consequences of manipulative behavior and the pursuit of personal gain. Abigail's mistreatment of the rabbits becomes a metaphor for her mistreatment of others and her willingness to sacrifice ethics for power. Anne's retaliation represents a reclaiming of her agency and a rejection of Abigail's toxic influence.
Ultimately, the ending encapsulates the film's exploration of the complexities of power, the corrupting nature of ambition, and the vulnerability of human relationships. It showcases the downfall of Abigail, who is exposed for her treachery, while Anne reaffirms her position as the rightful ruler, even in the face of adversity and declining health.
In its conclusion, "The Favourite" leaves a lasting impression of the consequences that await those who manipulate and betray, while highlighting the enduring strength of those who hold true to their principles, even in the face of personal challenges.
The Favourite Cast
Queen Anne
Abigail Hill
Lady Sarah Churchill
Robert Harley
Samuel Masham
Sidney Godolphin
John Churchill
Mae
Mrs Meg
Sally
Cast
Character
Olivia Colman
Emma Stone
Rachel Weisz
Nicholas Hoult
Joe Alwyn
James Smith
Mark Gatiss
Jenny Rainsford
Jennifer White
Lilly-Rose Stevens
The Favourite Where to Watch?
The Favourite can be enjoyed through various streaming and rental platforms, ensuring convenient access for viewers. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ may offer the film in certain regions, although availability is subject to change. For those preferring rental or purchase options, digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube Movies provide the opportunity to rent or buy the movie.
These platforms cater to a wide range of preferences, allowing viewers to choose the most suitable option based on their preferred streaming service or preferred method of access, whether it's streaming or digital ownership. With the numerous streaming and rental options available, viewers can easily find and enjoy "The Favourite" in a format that suits their needs and preferences, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable viewing experience.
The Favourite Netflix
While The Favourite is not currently available on Netflix in the United States, it's important to note that streaming availability is subject to change. It's recommended to visit Netflix or other streaming platforms directly to obtain the most up-to-date information on the film's availability in your region. Netflix regularly updates its content library, adding and removing titles based on licensing agreements and viewer demand.
Therefore, it's possible that The Favourite may become available on Netflix in the future, or it may already be accessible in different countries or regions. To stay informed about the availability of The Favourite on Netflix or other streaming platforms, you can check their official websites, browse through their movie catalogs, or use the search function to specifically look for the film.
Is The Favourite a True Story - FAQs
No, The Favourite is not currently available on Netflix in the United States.
The Favourite can be streamed or rented digitally on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu, and YouTube Movies.
Yes, you can check local DVD or Blu-ray rental stores or online retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, or Walmart for physical copies of the movie.
No, while the film is based on real-life figures and events, it takes many liberties with the historical truth and should not be considered a documentary.
In the ending, Queen Anne catches Abigail mistreating a rabbit, and she asserts her authority by demanding Abigail to kneel and massage her leg, symbolizing a shift in power dynamics.