The first trailer for a new film from Yorgos Lanthimos, best-known as the director behind Irish co-productions ‘The Lobster’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’ as well as ‘Dogtooth’, called ‘The Favourite’ has dropped.
As with his most recent two films, Irish producer Ed Guiney is on board for his latest, as are some of the stars from his previous movies, including Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz.
Also starring Emma Stone, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, James Smith, and Mark Gatiss, the film synopsis reads as follows:
‘Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving. A frail Queen Anne (Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper.
‘When a new servant Abigail (Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.’
As with ‘The Lobster’ and ‘The Killing of a Sacred Deer’, 'The Favourite' looks bonkers and is typical of Lanthimos’ tone and quirky sense of humour.
The minute-long teaser can be viewed here:
‘The Favourite’ hits Irish cinemas on 1st January, 2019.