The Favourite premiere: On the red carpet with Yorgos Lanthimos, Emma Stone and Joe Alwyn at London Film Festival 2018

Greek director Yorgos Lanthimos is never one to chase cinema norms but rather subvert, challenge and upend them. His creations including The Lobster and last year’s The Killing of a Sacred Deer have cemented a reputation for off-the-wall dramas with a dark humour at the centre. His latest release is no exception – though perhaps marks the director edging out of the arthouse space more toward mainstream appeal while holding onto his unique approach.

The Favourite reimagines 18^th-century costume, dance and music as you’ve never seen them, following the exploits of Queen Anne and two cousins battling to be in number one in her favour, played by Olivia Colman, Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone. The three actresses right at the top of their game fizz on the screen, bouncing off each other to capture the brilliance and wit in Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara’s screenplay with many a mention of badgers.

Already winning the Grand Jury Prize and the Volpi Cup for Best Actress for Colman’s performance at the Venice Film Festival, the film looks to have also proved a favourite with audiences from across the genre spectrum. It’s safe to say this is not an average period drama.

We were at the film’s premiere at the London Film Festival to chat with the cast and crew. Director Yorgos Lanthimos told us about what inspired him to make the film and his experience of working with three exceptional actresses.

Emma Stone was on the red carpet talking about her experience of making the film.

Joe Alwyn stopped to speak about his character Samuel Masham and what it is that makes Lanthimos such an incredible director to work with.

Sarah Bradbury
Videos: Marta Starczynowska
Featured photo: Gareth Cattermole / Getty Images

The Favourite is released nationwide on 1^st January 2019. Read our review here.

Read more reviews and interviews from our London Film Festival 2018 coverage here.

For further information about the festival visit the official BFI website here.

Watch the trailer for The Favourite here: