Mary Queen of Scots
I a big fan of the Glenda Jackson and Vanessa Redgrave Mary Queen of Scots from the 1970s. With those amazing actresses in my mind playing two Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, I was very interested to see one of my favorite actresses Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird) takeS on the Mary Stuart role in the latest MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS movie.
Along with Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie stars as Elizabeth I. Mary Stuart becomes the Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18. She then returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne.
When Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth, each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.
Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart. Credit: John Mathieson / Focus Features
Mary Queen of Scots offers moviegoers all the elements one looks for in a good movie, backstabbing palace intrigue, battles, good looking consorts, battle scenes, blood-curdling murder and charismatic performances from Ronan and Robbie. That said, Saoirse Ronan as Mary Queen of Scots is what drives you to keep watching. When she is on the screen you are compelled to be drawn into her world and her will to rule England. She considers the only person her equal and that is Elizabeth.
It goes without saying that all the men in the movie are despicable, conniving, hateful and jealous that these two women rule over them.
As for Robbie’s performance, I think she somewhat holds her own but I also thought she was miscast. I just could not believe in her Elizabeth I especially during her post smallpox era when she started wearing white makeup to cover up the scars.
All in all, I think even if you are not a history or Anglophile, you will enjoy this movie.
(l-r) Ian Hart stars as Lord Maitland, Jack Lowden as Lord Darnley, Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart and James McArdle as Earl of Moray. Credit: Liam Daniel / Focus Features
(l-r) Grace Molony stars as Dorothy Stafford, Margot Robbie stars as Queen Elizabeth I and Georgia Burnell as Kate Carey in MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS. Credit: Parisa Tag / Focus Features
MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS In Theaters Now
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Disclosure: NYC Single Mom attended a screening to facilitate this review. Opinions are 100% my own.
