Watch Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots is a 2018 period drama film that explores the tumultuous life of Mary Stuart, the titular queen, and her relationship with her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I of England. Directed by Josie Rourke, the movie is an adaptation of the biography "Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart" by John Guy. The film follows Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan), who returns to Scotland from France after the death of her husband, the King of France. As a Catholic in Protestant Scotland, Mary faces numerous challenges in maintaining her throne. She is met with opposition and suspicion from her half-brother James Stewart (James McArdle) and the Scottish Protestant leader John Knox (David Tennant). Despite this, Mary perseveres and successfully asserts her authority over Scotland.

Her success does not go unnoticed by Queen Elizabeth I of England (Margot Robbie), who is facing her own struggles as a female monarch in a male-dominated world. Mary and Elizabeth become rivals, with Elizabeth fearing that Mary's claim to the English throne will threaten her reign. Eventually, their rivalry leads to Mary's imprisonment in England, where she is tried and found guilty of treason.

The movie is captivating in its portrayal of the two queens' personal and political lives. The performances of Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie are stunning, with Ronan delivering a particularly impressive performance as a formidable Mary. Her portrayal of the queen is nuanced and multifaceted, depicting her as a strong-willed but vulnerable woman fighting against the patriarchal society of her time. Robbie's portrayal of Elizabeth is equally impressive, as she captures the queen's insecurities and fears with sensitivity and depth.

The supporting cast is equally impressive, particularly Jack Lowden as Mary's second husband Lord Darnley, and Joe Alwyn as Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's close adviser and confidante. The chemistry between Ronan and Lowden is palpable, making their relationship a highlight of the film.

The movie's cinematography is gorgeous, with sweeping shots of the Scottish countryside and intricate sets that recreate both Mary and Elizabeth's courts with stunning detail. The costumes are also a standout, with designer Alexandra Byrne expertly capturing the fashion of the period and using it to provide insight into the characters' personalities and status.

One of the movie's strengths is its exploration of the relationship between Mary and Elizabeth. The two queens are presented as complex and flawed characters, with their rivalry driven by jealousy and fear, as well as their respective duties as monarchs. Their relationship is never reduced to a simple catfight, but rather a nuanced portrayal of two women trying to navigate a world that does not value them.

Overall, Mary Queen of Scots is a powerful film that sheds light on one of history's most fascinating and tragic figures. The movie is beautifully crafted, with exceptional performances, cinematography, and costumes. The story is compelling and engaging, with a balance between the political and personal aspects of Mary and Elizabeth's lives. If you're a fan of historical dramas or captivating performances, Mary Queen of Scots is well worth checking out.

Mary Queen of Scots is a 2018 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 4 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 60.