Here we go again, another period movie, this time set in the 1500’s.
As previously stated in my review of “The Favourite”, which was set in the 1700’s, this genre of movies is not my favorite. (The Favourite was not my favorite—ha-ha I made a joke LOL)
Anyway...“Mary Queen of Scots” has opened my eyes to a female driven powerful time in European history. It’s amazing the issues that women faced in the late 1580’s are still here today, more than 430 years later. In England, zealot religious leaders proclaim Mary, a harlot, adulteress and questioned her religious beliefs. Bullying, false accusations and lies in politics hasn’t changed much over the centuries.
This is the story of two queens, Queen Elizabeth of England, who was a Protestant, and Queen Mary of Scotland, a Catholic. Unfortunately, religion has been the cause of many wars/battles and this was no different.
Elizabeth and her cabinet, see her as Queen of a combined England and Scotland. However, Mary will not step aside as Queen of Scotland and accept Elizabeth as Queen unless she is named Elizabeth’s successor. This is something Elizabeth will not agree to, as that would mean a Catholic would ultimately rule England.
Elizabeth, the older of the two queens, is unmarried and childless. Mary, when we first meet her is a young widow, also childless. There is much scheming and plotting from religious heads and political foes as to the importance of an heir to the throne. At one point Elizabeth plots to have her suitor, Robert, marry Mary as a way of gaining control of Mary through her marriage to Englander Robert. However, Mary sees right through the ruse and declines Robert’s proposal.
As much as both Queens’ courts, comprised of backstabbing and deceitful men, are scheming for control, Elizabeth and Mary are more reserved and, who now would be described as frenemies. They are cousins who are Queens, a sisterhood that others cannot understand. These are both powerful, independent thinking women, ruling men, armies and their countries but bottom line, what is most important? An heir and succession to the throne.
The filming of this movie is beautiful, sweeping views of the green hills of Scotland and England. The interior scenes leave no doubt you are in a 1500’s castle.
It’s so ironic that even after Mary’s death (by Elizabeth’s proclamation) England and Scotland remained divided. It was not until Elizabeth’s death, who remained unmarried and childless, did the countries unite, under the reign of King James, son of Mary Queen of Scots.
This movie, so much more engaging then “The Favourite” pleasantly surprised me. Great performance by Margot Robbie as Elizabeth, but the movie is stolen by the wonderful performance of Saoirse Ronan as Mary.
“Mary Queen of Scots” is rated B plus. There were just a handful of people in the audience at our screening, which is disappointing. Go see this movie at the theatre before it is too late.If you are on a budget, skip “The Favourite” and go see my favorite Mary Queen of Scots.
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