The results are often exhilarating when an auteur director tackles the historical period drama (see Sofia Coppola and “Marie Antoinette,” Stanley Kubrick and “Barry Lyndon”), so consider “The Favourite” one of the most anticipated indie films of the 2018 movie season. The latest from Yorgos Lanthimos is set on the English throne in the early 18th century and gives three juicy roles to Olivia Coleman, Rachel Weisz, and Emma Stone.
“The Favourite” stars Coleman as Queen Anne and Weisz as her close friend and advisor Lady Sarah. England is at war with France but Queen Anne is more concerned with duck racing and pineapple eating. Governing...