Mary, Queen of Scots (2019)

Rating: 7/10
Genre: History/Drama
Related Titles: The Other Boleyn Girl, The Queen, The Favourite, Colette
By Leanne Harragan

Queen at 16, widow at 18. Mary defied pressure to remarry, choosing to return to Scotland to reclaim the throne. But Scotland and England are under the rule of Elizabeth I. Each Queen fears their counterpart. The two have to play the game of marriage in a male dominated world. 

Historically accurate it may not fully be as per most historical based story, an interesting recount of the life of Mary Stuart it certainly is. Historically for a long time these two women, Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I, have been pitted against each other and Josie O'Rourke's latest retelling finally ushers in a new tale of the two queens, one that addresses the fact that actually beyond their differences these two could have been kindred spirits. 

Saoirse Ronan portrays titular character Mary incredibly, she truly shines in every scene and although historically didn't win the crown, is crowned the true feminist hero of this story. Despite difficulties she faced all throughout her life: murder, usurping, sexual assault (the list goes on and on) she never backs down. Taking advice from no men and sending men from her council upon refusal to give their allegiance, Mary loses her crown and life because of her iron-will and continued refusal to compromise. Interestingly enough, a figure who is considered a Catholic martyr is presented as a friend and ally to her gay cross-dressing musician Rizzio and she even is seen on numerous occasions preached religious tolerance - a truly different tale to many of her historic narratives. Ronan's career continues to go from strength to strength, with last years Ladybird being followed by this blinding performance. 

Alongside her is Margot Robbie (also going from strength to strength after last years fantastic I, Tonya) portrays Elizabeth I excellently. Her story is a sad one, with a fear of men trying to steal her power shes sees life out with no marriage and no heir to the throne. One particular scene that stands out is her sudden sadness after seeing a mother and foal, she uses a pillow to fake a pregnancy belly that is shown in shadow on the ground, the scene is simple but speaks a thousand words. As the film goes on, her ill health and fear of usurping created from her male advisers around her clearly take their toll. My favourite part of Robbie's performance is the speech that she monologues about her sadness at the execution order of her cousin, a woman she believed that could have been her friend. It's simply done with a voice over being used during Mary's walk to the executioner but it is effective at addressing what their relationship could have been. 

While this film isn't perfect, it has some script problems, although I'm a big fan of French being worked into the script as it makes it that much more realistic. It can't be faulted for it's beauty, the long sweeping shots of Scotland paired with the immaculately designed costumes all come together to make for beautiful viewing. I particularly enjoyed the long sweeping shot of the army triumphantly marching back and the wide, bright views behind the hilltops. The subtle undertone of the score has to be noted too, as this really ties everything together in a quiet yet vital way. Set design was also well done, with the castles looking every bit the part. 

What really comes across in this film is how these women, even as monarchs and rulers of the land were still undermined at every corner with men constantly plotting, scheming and taking control by any means possible. But what comes across even stronger is the power of friendship, Mary's handmaid's on numerous occasions show just how powerful and vital female friendships can be, even if it's just for a gossip about past loves - a scene that truly transcends time as something that continues to this day 500 years on!

This film is perhaps not for everyone, but if you're interesting in history you'll find some entertainment here. It's beautifully shot and the design is on point. It introduces a new take on a rather famous part of history and will hopefully be the start of more female fronted historical biopics!

Rating: 7/10

By Rebecca Mannick

Mary Queen of Scots was a story in which I wasn't familiar with - it's essentially about marriage and the blood of whoever was going to sit on the throne next after Elizabeth I. Mary Stuart was young, widowed and returned to Scotland with a fire in her belly - she wasn't afraid to speak her mind and make decisions which weren't always the most popular. Meanwhile Elizabeth I was baron and left no heir to the throne, her health was also in decline. Communication between the two women started and both of them had respect for one another. Mary's real motive was the crown and she wasn't to let any mans opinion get in the way of that. 

Saoirse Ronan is unbelievably classy as Mary Stuart - you can't help but see that every role she plays she excels. She brings a certain class and precision to her characters. I heard in an interview that Mary Stuart was Saoirse's favourite character to play - she was able to be stern and serious when getting her point across but also fun and playful when it came to her handmaids who she befriended. Another character in which was one of importance was David Rizzio, they formed a friendship which proved quite vital.

A great performance also from Margot Robbie as she plays  Elizabeth I whose health is on the decline and also in a dilemma as Mary turns up on the scene again. In terms of makeup and costume design its is phenomenal. She looks super regal and extravagant. Margot has really chosen some great pictures to be apart of and is coming into her own.

One thing that did frustrate me was the the action was moved back and forth from Queen to Queen but there was no real urgency in the storytelling. It felt all dragged out too much, I did find myself bored in some places. But on the whole Mary Queen of Scots is a very solid movie which was carried by two fantastic actresses. Entertainment and historical content hand in hand are always a good thing in my book.