On paper this film had so many things going right for it. A controversial historical character led by Oscar nominated lead actresses, but the execution was a mess. At times the film felt like a bad soap opera. The dramatisation lacked depth and substance and neither Queens had much characterisation beyond the superficial. Political intrigue gave way to sexual exploits for a simplistic historic retelling. Queen Mary really deserved a better biopic. Although I applaud director Josie Rourke’s choice of racial-blind casting, the decision for everybody to use their own accents was not a smart one as it added another layer of unnecessary distraction. And that heavy-handed focus on political correctness was absurd and too jarringly out of place. The costumes and make ups were gorgeous but pox-scarred does not make Margot Robbie anywhere close to Regina, Emma or Rachel’s calibre, though her showdown scene with Saoirse Ronan did show a sliver of Tonya-calibre acting. Ronan has a beautiful visage, but it was a pity that she was not given richer material to play with and not asked to do more than appear haughty and proud. Her talent was wasted. What we really need is another Queen Mary biopic with Ronan again as lead (or maybe Florence Pugh?) - perhaps as a prestige mini series - led by a stronger writer (imagine Daisy Goodwin or Peter Morgan taking charge) and director (like Stephen Daldry) giving Mary more agency, urgency, but still not losing sight of her feminine strength.
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