The Favourite
The Favourite Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Movie Overview: The Favourite
| Movie | The Favourite |
| Release Year | 2018 |
| Director | Yorgos Lanthimos |
| Genre | History / Comedy / Drama |
| Runtime | 120 minutes (2h 0m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is The Favourite (2018) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a SUPER HIT with a verified audience rating of 7.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this History.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in The Favourite are led by Emma Stone . The supporting cast, including Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
The Favourite stands out as a strong entry in the History genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.
- Compelling performances from the main cast
- Strong visual storytelling and direction
- Well-structured History narrative
- Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, The Favourite has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the History fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: The Favourite
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2018, The Favourite is a History, Comedy, Drama film directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, written by Tony McNamara. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Emma Stone as Abigail.
What Is the Story of The Favourite?
The title presents its narrative with careful attention to pacing and character development. England, early 18th century. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite. The story unfolds naturally, allowing viewers to become invested in the outcome while maintaining engagement throughout.
How Is The Favourite Structured?
- Opening Hook: The Favourite establishes its world and central conflict efficiently, with Yorgos Lanthimos introducing Emma Stone as Abigail in the opening act, and across its 2h 0m runtime, the pacing proves deliberate.
- Character Arc: The protagonist, portrayed by Emma Stone, undergoes a meaningful transformation, with their journey feeling earned and emotionally resonant. Supporting characters are well-developed, each serving a purpose in the narrative.
- Climax & Resolution: The climax brings the narrative threads together, with Emma Stone's arc reaching resolution. Yorgos Lanthimos's handling of the finale delivers powerfully.
What Are the Themes of The Favourite?
The film operates on multiple levels, using its genre framework to explore deeper themes about human nature, society, and the choices that define us.
What Works and What Doesn't in The Favourite?
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional storytelling that balances entertainment with substance
- Strong performances, especially from Emma Stone, that bring depth to the characters
- Technical excellence in cinematography, editing, and sound design
⚠️ Weaknesses
- Minor pacing issues that do not significantly detract from the experience
- A few underdeveloped subplots
Ending Explained: The Favourite
The Favourite Ending Explained: England, early 18th century. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this 2018 history film stars Emma Stone (Abigail), alongside Olivia Colman as Queen Anne, Rachel Weisz as Lady Sarah, Nicholas Hoult as Harley. Rated 7.5/10 by audiences, the conclusion brings the story to a satisfying close.
What Happens at the End of The Favourite?
England, early 18th century. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
Yorgos Lanthimos's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Emma Stone (Abigail)'s journey. The close relationship between Queen Anne and Sarah Churchill is threatened by the arrival of Sarah's cousin, Abigail Hill, resulting in a bitter rivalry between the two cousins to be the Queen's favourite.
How Does Emma Stone (Abigail)'s Story End?
- Emma Stone: Emma Stone's arc reaches a definitive conclusion by the final act, with Yorgos Lanthimos delivering a resolution that feels earned after the film's 2h 0m runtime.
- Olivia Colman (Queen Anne): Olivia Colman's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Rachel Weisz (Lady Sarah): Rachel Weisz's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
Is The Favourite Based on a True Story?
Yes — The Favourite draws from real events. The ending reflects documented outcomes, though Yorgos Lanthimos has taken creative liberties in dramatizing specific scenes for cinematic impact.
What Does the Ending of The Favourite Mean?
The ending of The Favourite ties together the narrative threads involving Emma Stone. Yorgos Lanthimos chooses a conclusion that prioritizes thematic consistency over surprise, resulting in an ending that rewards viewers who engaged with the story's central themes. Based on 5,902 audience ratings, the consensus is that the ending is powerful and memorable.
The Favourite Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is The Favourite Based on a True Story?
Yes, The Favourite is inspired by documented historical events. Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Emma Stone, this history, comedy, drama film explores how real events have been adapted into a dramatic narrative.
Real Story vs Movie Version of The Favourite
The film balances factual inspiration with cinematic storytelling. Certain scenes are likely dramatized to enhance emotional impact.
Many viewers have praised the film for respecting the spirit of the real events.
Accuracy Assessment: The Favourite successfully adapts real-world inspiration into a compelling cinematic story. Viewers interested in the real history may want to explore historical sources alongside the film.
Who Should Watch The Favourite?
Age Advisory: Rated R — not suitable for younger viewers.
Highly Recommended For:
- Fans of History cinema looking for quality storytelling
- Viewers who appreciate well-executed genre storytelling
- Anyone seeking a well-crafted film that delivers on its promises
Box Office Collection: The Favourite
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $15.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $95.9M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Favourite Budget
The estimated production budget for The Favourite is $15.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Where to Watch The Favourite Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At Home🏷️ Buy on
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeThe Favourite Parents Guide & Age Rating
2018 AdvisoryWondering about The Favourite age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of The Favourite (2018) is 120 minutes (2h 0m). Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the film runs for 120 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 7.5/10, and global performance metrics, The Favourite is classified as a SUPER HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2018 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Favourite worth watching?
The Favourite is definitely worth watching if you enjoy History movies. It has a verified rating of 7.5/10 and stands as a SUPER HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find The Favourite parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for The Favourite identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of The Favourite (2018)?
The runtime of The Favourite (2018) is 120 minutes (approximately 2h 0m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
