What Is The Favourite About?
The premise of The Favourite in 295 words, with nothing given away. The full story and the ending follow below.
In the hushed corridors of early‑18th‑century England, the flicker of candlelight reveals a court caught between grandeur and fragility. The air is thick with the scent of polished wood and the weight of empire, while the distant rumble of war whispers beyond the palace walls. This world balances opulent ceremony with an undercurrent of uncertainty, a place where whispers can shape destinies as surely as decrees.
Queen Anne sits at its uneasy centre, a monarch whose physical frailties and volatile temperament make her both a figure of reverence and a source of vulnerability. Her rule is guided not only by the burdens of a nation at war but also by the intimate counsel of a lifelong confidante. Lady Sarah Churchill—sharp, calculating, and fiercely loyal—has become the queen’s trusted adviser, maneuvering through the complexities of statecraft while tending to the personal needs of a ruler whose moods shift like the wind.
Into this tightly knit circle arrives a young woman of modest birth, Abigail Hill, seeking purpose within the royal household. Her entrance is modest, yet her keen observations and understated ambition begin to ripple through the established order. As she learns the rhythms of court life, she finds herself drawn into the delicate dance of favor, where a smile or a shared secret can tip the balance of influence.
Against the backdrop of political debate—voices urging peace and others demanding continued conflict—the court becomes a stage for subtle rivalry and shifting loyalties. The atmosphere is simultaneously lavish and tense, laced with wry humor and dark elegance. In this world of gilded decor and whispered schemes, the interplay between Anne, Sarah, and Abigail promises a compelling exploration of power, intimacy, and the lengths to which individuals will go to secure a place in history’s quiet corridors.
What Happens in The Favourite?
The complete story of The Favourite, from the first scene to the last, in 540 words (about 2 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 6 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In the early 18th century, around 1708, England finds itself embroiled in a war against the French. At the center of this political turmoil is Queen Anne (Olivia Colman), a middle-aged monarch suffering from frailties and ill temper, who relies heavily on her childhood friend and trusted advisor, Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Sarah, a calculated and astute figure, aids Anne as she navigates the weighty decisions brought on by the ongoing conflict.
Into this intricate web steps Abigail (Emma Stone), Sarah’s cousin, who arrives at the royal estate in a rather unfortunate manner—falling into muck as she steps out of her carriage. Upon her entrance, the castle’s staff playfully mocks her, compelling Abigail to meet her cousin in a state that leaves much to be desired. With her family having fallen on hard times due to her father’s misfortunes, Abigail desperately seeks employment, leading to her position as a maid in the castle. However, the other maids, displaying their mean-spirited nature, subject her to bullying and mistreat her, even causing her some injury in the process.
Meanwhile, Robert Harley (Nicholas Hoult), a local politician, is fervently campaigning for peace to end the war. In contrast, Sidney Godolphin (James Smith) argues vehemently for its continuation. Sarah skillfully sways Anne to tax the citizenry more heavily to fund the war efforts, drawing Harley’s ire.
One night, as Anne suffers an excruciating gout attack, Abigail seizes the moment, stealing away into the woods to gather herbs for a makeshift remedy. It is here that she crosses paths with the dashing Samuel Masham (Joe Alwyn), setting the stage for a complicated romance. After sneaking into Anne’s chamber to apply the herbs, Abigail’s scheme is discovered by Sarah, who initially punishes her for the deception. However, when Abigail’s remedy proves effective in alleviating the queen’s pain, Sarah begrudgingly recognizes her potential and promotes her to assistant, granting Abigail more privileges and independence.
As time progresses, Abigail cunningly ingratiates herself with Anne, particularly through shared conversations about the queen’s beloved rabbits, each representing a lost child. The bond strengthens until a shocking revelation comes to light when Sarah catches Abigail and Anne in a compromising situation. Enraged, Sarah confronts Abigail but ultimately, Abigail’s influence grows, culminating in a scandalous request from Harley—asking Abigail to act as a spy within the queen’s inner circle.
Amidst political machinations, Sarah finds herself injured and incapacitated, throwing the balance of power into chaos. With Sarah absent, Anne is easily swayed by Abigail, who now basks in the privileges of her newfound position and her romance with Masham. As the war intensifies and personal betrayals surface, the stakes grow perilously high. Anne begins to feel the burden of leadership and the trauma of lost affection as Abigail spins her web of manipulation, fueled by a desire for status and love.
The final act delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and ambition, as the characters’ fates intertwine in a shocking climax. As Anne’s health deteriorates, Abigail’s role as a confidante shifts dangerously into one of control and treachery. In a twisted resolution, Abigail’s subservience is inverted, with her stepping on one of the queen’s cherished rabbits, symbolizing the complete unraveling of their twisted alliance and the harrowing consequences of ambition in the court.
The Favourite Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “The War Begins” to “The Final Betrayal”. 14 events name a place, across 3 locations.
- 1
The War Begins
In the early 18th century, around 1708, England finds itself embroiled in a war against the French. This conflict creates a challenging political atmosphere, putting pressure on Queen Anne to make difficult decisions as she navigates through the uncertainty.
When:1708 Where:England
- 2
Queen Anne's Struggles
Queen Anne, played by Olivia Colman, is depicted as a middle-aged monarch grappling with ill temper and physical frailties. She heavily relies on her childhood friend, Sarah, to help manage the complexities of her reign and the ongoing war.
Where:Royal Estate
- 3
Abigail's Arrival
Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, makes her entrance at the royal estate, literally falling into muck as she disembarks from her carriage. This comical mishap sets the tone for her difficult start at the castle, where she is mocked by the staff.
Where:Royal Estate
- 4
A Maid's Plight
Struggling due to her family's hard times and her father's misfortunes, Abigail seeks employment as a maid at the castle. Unfortunately, she faces bullying and mistreatment from the other maids, leading to further injuries and humiliation.
Where:Royal Estate
- 5
Political Divisions
Within the court, local politician Robert Harley passionately campaigns for peace to end the war, while Sidney Godolphin argues for its continuation. Sarah's influence grows as she convinces Anne to impose heavier taxes to fund the war, igniting tensions with Harley.
Where:Royal Estate
- 6
A Gout Attack
One fateful night, Queen Anne suffers from an excruciating gout attack, presenting Abigail with an opportunity. She sneaks into the woods to gather herbs for a remedy, a move that unwittingly intertwines her fate with that of the dashing Samuel Masham.
Where:Woods
- 7
Abigail's Scheme
Abigail sneaks into Anne's chamber to apply the herbs she gathered, but her deception is soon discovered by Sarah. Although she faces punishment for this trickery, the remedy's effectiveness catches Sarah's attention, leading to Abigail's promotion.
Where:Royal Estate
- 8
Bonding Over Rabbits
As time goes by, Abigail works to ingratiate herself with Queen Anne through shared conversations about the queen's beloved rabbits, which symbolize her lost children. Their bond deepens, showcasing Abigail’s cunning ability to manipulate their relationship.
Where:Royal Estate
- 9
The Compromising Situation
A pivotal moment occurs when Sarah catches Abigail and Queen Anne in a potentially scandalous situation. Angered by the betrayal, Sarah confronts Abigail, but ultimately, the confrontation only serves to boost Abigail's standing with the queen.
Where:Royal Estate
- 10
Injury and Power Shift
In a turn of events, Sarah is injured and incapacitated, causing a significant shift in the balance of power within the court. With her main rival sidelined, Abigail begins to exert control over Queen Anne, enhancing her influence and affections.
Where:Royal Estate
Show the other 4 events of The Favourite Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Manipulative Ambitions
As the war intensifies, Abigail's manipulation of Queen Anne grows increasingly prominent, threatening the stability of their bond. The young maid's desires for power and love spark a tumultuous series of events that impact both personal and political spheres.
Where:Royal Estate
- 12
The Cost of Betrayal
The final act of the film delves into deep themes of loyalty and betrayal as Abigail endeavors to expand her influence over Anne. As tensions mount, Abigail's ambitions lead to personal and political betrayals that unravel the fabric of their relationships.
Where:Royal Estate
- 13
Health Deteriorates
Queen Anne’s health continues to decline under the pressure of war and personal loss, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and desperation. As her health falters, Abigail's role shifts from confidante to that of a manipulative mastermind.
Where:Royal Estate
- 14
The Final Betrayal
In a shocking climax, Abigail steps on one of the queen’s cherished rabbits, serving as a potent symbol of their fractured bond. This act signifies the complete unraveling of their relationship and the lengths to which Abigail will go in her quest for power.
Where:Royal Estate
Who Are the Main Characters in The Favourite?
4 characters, among them Queen Anne, Sarah and Abigail: who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
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Queen Anne
Played by Olivia Colman
Queen Anne, portrayed by Olivia Colman, is a fragile monarch burdened by her responsibilities and health issues. Her character is defined by her dependence on her inner circle, particularly Sarah and Abigail, who navigate her vulnerabilities for their gain. As the story unfolds, Anne’s emotional turmoil and the weight of her crown become increasingly apparent.
- 👑 Queen
- 🎭 Power
- 😢 Vulnerability
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Sarah
Played by Rachel Weisz
Sarah, played by Rachel Weisz, is a cunning and astute adviser to Queen Anne. Though initially loyal, her relationship with Abigail becomes strained as Abigail's deception threatens her position. Strong-willed and intelligent, Sarah navigates her political landscape with both finesse and hostility, reflecting the cutthroat nature of court power struggles.
- 👩💼 Manipulator
- 🎭 Loyalty
- ⚖️ Power
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Abigail
Played by Emma Stone
Abigail, portrayed by Emma Stone, is a resourceful and ambitious young woman who ascends in rank through cunning and manipulation. Her journey from a bullied maid to a powerful influencer showcases her determination and adaptability. However, her ruthless ambition ultimately leads to fractured relationships and moral ambiguity, making her a complex figure in the narrative.
- 🌟 Ambition
- 🎭 Manipulation
- 😈 Deception
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Robert Harley
Played by Nicholas Hoult
Robert Harley, played by Nicholas Hoult, is a local politician advocating for peace amidst the ongoing war. His character embodies the political struggles of the time, as he maneuvers through alliances and oppositions. Harley's keen interest in the queen and the court's politics showcase the intersection of personal and political ambitions.
- 📜 Politician
- ⚔️ War
- 🎭 Strategy
Where and When Is The Favourite Set?
The Favourite is set in England (early 18th century, 1708). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
early 18th century, 1708
The film is set in the early 18th century, a time marked by political strife and war, particularly against the French. This period saw monarchs navigating complex power structures and social hierarchies, with personal relationships deeply intertwined with political ambitions. The era’s social norms and the status of women elevate themes of ambition and betrayal.
Where
England
The movie takes place primarily in England during the early 18th century. The royal estate serves as the backdrop for political intrigue, personal rivalry, and social dynamics of the time. Known for its grandeur, the castle is also a site of hidden agendas and secret relationships amongst the court.
- 🇬🇧 England
- 🏰 Royal Estate
What Are the Themes of The Favourite?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Loyalty, Betrayal and Ambition.
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01
Loyalty
Loyalty plays a significant role as characters navigate their relationships. Abigail's initial loyalty to her cousin Sarah fluctuates as she becomes embroiled in a complex web of manipulation with Queen Anne. The shifting alliances highlight how loyalty can be tested, particularly in the treacherous environment of the royal court.
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02
Betrayal
Betrayal is a central theme as characters betray one another to climb the social ladder. Abigail's rise comes at the expense of Sarah's trust, marking a fall from grace that showcases the brutal nature of court dynamics. The climax culminates in shocking acts of treachery that redefine loyalty among the characters.
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03
Ambition
Ambition drives the plot forward, especially for Abigail, whose desire for status and love leads her to manipulate those around her. Her journey reflects the lengths individuals will go to seize power and influence in an environment fraught with competition and danger. The film examines the costs of ambition in a highly stratified society.
How Does The Favourite End?
The last act of The Favourite and what it means, in 263 words. The ending lands as bittersweet. Big spoilers: read the plot summary first if you have not seen it.
The final act, in full
The film concludes with a powerful visual metaphor that encapsulates the tragic and manipulative nature of the relationships depicted. The Queen, overwhelmed by loss and her tumultuous political sphere, is shown in a surreal, psychedelic sequence as her face slowly merges with that of Abigail and Sarah—symbolizing the blending, confusion, and ultimately the entrapment of all three women within their intertwined struggles for power and affection. The recurring motif of rabbits, which initially represented Queen Anne’s lost children, then come to symbolize the toxic relationship between her and her favorites, intensifies this imagery. Abigail’s cruelty at the end, where she casually crushes one of Anne’s pet rabbits, underscores her duplicity and the cruelty underlying their rivalry. The rabbits’ proliferation on screen suggests that the destructive consequences of greed, ambition, and betrayal will only continue to grow.
This ambiguous ending leaves us with a haunting impression: despite Abigail’s apparent victory and her ascending in court, she is still ultimately caged and controlled—much like the queens’ beloved pets—by her own manipulative schemes. It highlights that her rise to power is not a resolution but a continuation of the cycle of cruelty and obsession that defines their relationships. The closing images remind us that behind the veneer of success, there is a lingering darkness, and the true cost of political intrigue is the loss of innocence and genuine connection. The film’s stylized, surreal finale leaves viewers contemplating whether any of these women truly find freedom or peace, or if they are forever prisoners of their own ambitions and the vicious game of courtly love and power.
What Kind of Film Is The Favourite?
Dark in tone, with steady pacing and a complex story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Dark
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Complex
- Intensity
- High
- Ending
- Bittersweet
A darkly comic and suspenseful historical drama where ambition and manipulation weave a claustrophobic web of power within the royal court, punctuated by sharp dialogue and a melancholic undertone.
- suspenseful
- manipulative
- decadent
- claustrophobic
- melancholic
- sharp
- political intrigue
- female rivalry
- social climbing
- power dynamics
Content notes: psychological manipulation, exploitation of grief.
Quiz
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