The Favourite: Release date, cast, plot and trailer – all you need to know

The Favourite is drumming up plenty of anticipation.

Based on the true story of Queen Anne, The Favourite takes a lesser known but true story and brings it to light.

The scandal that rocked the 18th century has now become a major motion picture.

With new trailers, surrealist posters, and a formidable cast, the historical drama is already likely to be the most anticipated movie of 2019.

When is The Favourite out in cinemas?

The Favourite will have its UK premiere on Thursday, October 18 at the Cineworld, Leicester Square.

This screening is part of the BFI London Film Festival.

For those without tickets, their first chance to see The Favourite will be in cinemas on January 1, 2019.

Fans in the United States have an earlier release date of November 23, 2018.

Who stars in The Favourite cast?

Queen Anne is played by the inimitable Olivia Colman, whose stellar performance in Broadchurch brought her critical acclaim.

The two warring courtiers, at odds to be the Queen’s favourite, are played by Emma Stone (Abigail) and Rachel Weisz (Lady Sarah).

Other cast members include Nicholas Hoult as Robert Harley, 1st Earl of Oxford and Earl Mortimer, Joe Alwyn as Samuel Masham, Mark Gatiss as John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough, James Smith as Godolphin, and Jenny Rainsford as Mae.

What is The Favourite plot?

The official plot synopsis is as follows: “Early 18th century. England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving.

“A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper.

“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.

“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.”

Is there a trailer for The Favourite?

Yes, a brand new trailer was released on September 4, and you can watch it right here.

The new trailer shows Queen Anne’s failing health and strange disposition, while also displaying Lady Sarah and Abigail’s cut-throat tactics.

The Favourite is out in UK cinemas on January 1, 2019.