As far as period dramas go, this film has had a huge impact on fans of the genre as they’re still raving about the Hollywood actors “incredibly strong” performances.
Margot Robbie is barely recognisable as Queen Elizabeth I in Mary Queen of Scots, the 2018 historical film that fans cannot get enough of. Starring alongside her, playing her cousin Mary, is Irish actor Saoirse Ronan who “shone through” in her role of the controversial historical figure.
The film is based on the 2004 biography Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart and, with fictionalised elements, retells the complicated relationship between the two royals. As Mary returns to Scotland from France to claim her rightful throne as a royal Catholic, she poses a threat to the Protestant Queen of England, who wishes to control her.
It’s the dynamic portrayal of these historical women that struck a chord with viewers. One Rotten Tomatoes review says: “A very powerful look at women in power and women in politics at a time when women were even more ‘under a rock’ than they are (to a lesser extent) now, with incredibly strong performances from both Ronan and Robbie.”
They added: “I love how both queens’ visceral qualities are displayed and that each woman is unabashed, fierce, and real. The parts of the movie that seem to be slower or less immersive than they perhaps should have been, are still engrossing because of the lead performances. The writing, makeup, music, directing and acting are all solid. I was captivated from start to finish, and I shall watch it again, for sure!”
Mary Queen of Scots famously spent over 18 years of her short-lived life in captivity before being found guilty of treason amid claims she was plotting to kill her cousin, and the Queen of England, Elizabeth I. This betrayal resulted in the ulitmate revenge and Elizabeth sent Mary to her death at Fotheringhay Castle, where she was beheaded.
The film captures a facianting puece of hsitory which fans are enthralled by. One review reads: “Soairse is Fantastic! Love Margo but really think that Soirse was the one who shone through. really cool to see this story play out! love the history and he performances really brought the magnitude to the front of what took place! Well done!”
Despite the films rich story, many history buffs have criticised it for its hostorical inaccuracies. The letters written to one another many belive were the only form of communciation to exist between them, and its suggetsed that they never met in person.
A review said: “I enjoyed this one and the story it told about the battle among the Scots for the throne and alliance with England, especially between Mary & her brother & her cousin Elizabeth on the throne. Great cast helped deliver the story along with the time period and locations, even if not historically correct.”
On the other hand, some period drama fans believe the film to be a masterpiece. A review reads: “I think time will look very favourably upon this misunderstood masterpiece. There is some incredible casting, some stunning acting performances, and as a whole, it is a beautiful feast for the eyes. Ronin is spectacular. Spellbinding. Lowden is amazing. A truly stunning film and one which lives with me and deserves so much more praise than it seems to get. Beautiful. I think it’s excellent.”
Making up the already stellar cast are Jack Lowden as Lord Darnley and Joe Alwyn playing Robert Dudley. Not to mention, the film features Doctor Who’s David Tennant as well as Australian actor Guy Pearce, but it’s Saoirse Ronan’s performance that has viewers leaving five-star reviews.
One viewer shared: “Soairse is fantastic! Love Margo, but really think that Soirse was the one who shone through. really cool to see this story play out! love the history, and her performances really brought the magnitude to the front of what took place! Well done!”
To watch the drama of the Tudor era retold by an A-list cast, Mary Queen of Scots is available to rent now on Amazon Prime.