“Sometimes a lady likes to have some fun,” says Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) in a new teaser for “The Favourite.” Set in early 18th century England, the comedy re-teams Weisz and Olivia Colman with “The Lobster” director Yorgos Lanthimos and sees Weisz playing the close friend and confidant of Queen Anne (Colman).
The volatile Queen’s idea of “fun” seems to include binge-eating cake, making animals race in her palace, and screaming at servants. “I’m the Queen!” she tells Sarah, as if that gives her license to do and say whatever she pleases. “But you are mad,” Sarah deadpans.
Sarah is left to govern “the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper,” the film’s official synopsis details. “When a new servant Abigail (Emma 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.”
Co-written by Deborah Davis, “The Favourite” opens in select U.S. theaters November 23. The pic opens worldwide January 1, 2019.