Principal photography has wrapped in London on The Favourite, Greek director Yorgos Lanthinmos’ third collaboration with Dublin-based Element Pictures.
The film is a historical drama charting the political machinations and balance of power behind the scenes during the reign of Queen Anne, the last monarch of the House of Stuarts. The story takes place between the end of the 17th century and first years of the 18th century, when Anne reigned from 1702-1707. Queen Anne’s (Olivia Colman) close confidante Sarah (Rachel Weisz) jockeys for position and influence with Abigail Masham (Emma Stone), an impoverished, distant relative of Sarah’s, who has gained a position at court tending to the Queen.
In addition to Colman, Weisz, and Stone, the cast of The Favourite includes Mark Gatiss (Sherlock), Joe Alwyn (Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk), and Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road). It is based on a screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara.
Ceci Dempsey of Scarlet Films and Ed Guiney and Lee Magiday of Element Pictures produce, having worked together on Lanthimos’ award-winning The Lobster. Executive producers are Element’s Andrew Lowe, Ken Kao for Waypoint Entertainment, and Daniel Battsek and Rose Garnett for Film4. The Favourite received support from the British Film Institute and the Irish Film Board. Fox Searchlight will release worldwide, with Element Pictures Distribution retaining Irish rights.
It is very exciting to be working together again with The Lobster family and to forge a new team with Film4, Fox Searchlight and Ken Kao’s Waypoint. Yorgos’ view of Queen Anne’s court in 18th century England will be a period film like no other.
Ceci Dempsey – Producer, Scarlet Films and Ed Guiney – Producer, Element Pictures
We are so excited that Yorgos is bringing to life the story of these three amazing women. Film4 is thrilled to be in on-going partnership with this world-class director, and to be reteaming with producers Scarlet and Element, plus Fox Searchlight and new partner Waypoint.
Rose Garnett – Head of Creative, Film 4 and Daniel Battsek, Director of Film4
Lanthimos’ second collaboration with Element Pictures, The Killing of a Sacred Deer, will premiere in competition at Cannes next week.