The Wildest Period Drama of the 2010s Is Still Reddit’s Favorite

The strongest viewership of Netflix ’s Bridgerton proved people still rave about period titles and, in particular, intricate stories, set in the 18-19th centuries. Besides, before the success of this series, we saw such gems of the 2010s, as Mia Wasikowska’s Jane Eyre (2011), Nicole Kidman ’s The Beguiled (2017) and Saoirse Ronan’s Little Women (2019).

However, there is a female-led period movie that stands out among all of them. Back in 2018, it amazed the audience by its perfect mix of black comedy elements, deep drama, impeccable acting performances and quite an authentic atmosphere and tone.

Set in the early 18th century during the long war of England against France, the movie starts by introducing us to Queen Anne, who is in poor health and isn’t interested in governing at all. The one who is really into it is Sarah Churchill, her advisor and lover.

Lady Sarah, who appears to be Duchess of Marlborough, employs her impoverished cousin Abigail as Anne’s new servant, but she is quick to realize it is a mistake. The queen becomes close with Abigail, who sees a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.

This synopsis offers lots of captivating palace intrigue, jealousy and awkward attempts to seize more power and Queen Anne’s favor. Nevertheless, the movie doesn’t forget it depicts the remote prosperous times of monarchy, doing it with its whole grandeur.

The flick is gorgeously convincing as a movie about the 18th century, just like one of the most well-known period films, Stanley Kubrick’s Barry Lyndon (1975). However, it modernizes the genre, bringing to it so much satire and visual gags that it starts being reminiscent of Elle Fanning’s The Great (2020 - 2023). If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll like it.

Titled The Favourite, this 93%-rated movie is a must-watch for all cinema lovers, as it demonstrates the high-class direction of Poor Things ’ filmmaker, Yorgos Lanthimos, added by the perfectly-written screenplay, and we’re not talking about its cast.

“Loved it! Coleman, Weisz and Stone in this movie are my Roman Empire. Time for a rewatch,” says Redditor @mismamari. Indeed, these actresses steal the whole show here.

Check out this worth-watching period gem, as The Favourite is available for streaming on Netflix, Prime and Apple TV+ .