More than anything this film highlights the perception of power, how fragile it can be, and who truly wields it; the crescendo and decrescendo of the perceived influence two loyal servants possess over a self-destructive, ill monarch. What a delight!

Great balance of comedy and drama.

Loved the supporting cast—Emma Stone’s face is full of expression even in minute moments. She goes from these subtle, minuscule movements with her face when she acts to the huge, dramatic expressions. It’s hard to articulate, but it adds to the humanity in her roles.  I noticed it in “Easy A,” “LaLaLand,” and “Crazy, Stupid, Love.”  Or maybe I just have a decade-long girl crush on her. Ehh, idk.

Rachel Weisz is a gem–this film was just as much hers as it was Olivia Colman’s. All three ladies really knocked it out of the park.

This one is a production designer’s dream- whatta set! Goddamnit, man. Just give them all the awards. The lighting- natural and candlelight— was a brilliant decision, and made the ambiance more regal and realistic. Not 100% how, but trust me on it (LOL).  The lighting, or absence of light, was almost its own character in how it soaks through every scene. Great cinematography helped too! That must have been a huge technical challenge.  Imagine needing to shoot a 120-minute long film with only natural sunlight or using hundreds of candles at a time. Damn, art is hard!

Final thoughts: Yorgos’ fishbowl lens is 🔥🔥🔥. Thanks for the art, shawty dip! Slowly becoming one of my favorite directors.