My first viewing of The Favourite is forever burned into my memory, largely because it was such a perfect moviegoing experience. I was alone at the Alamo Drafthouse in downtown Brooklyn, seeing a movie during the workday, Don Draper-style (don’t tell my former employer… oh wait, they’re bankrupt). I drank a glass of cold pink wine, ate fries, and watched a supremely gay Yorgos Lanthimos film. Could a rewatch possibly match that afternoon of sheer joy?

Below, with no further ado, is absolutely every thought I had while watching The Favourite again, in honor of the great Olivia Colman’s birthday:

Ugh, so baroque and beautiful from the opening shot.

This cape reminds me that I once interviewed to be a certain super-successful Hollywood creator’s PA and was told, in all seriousness, that a lot of the job was keeping track of his various capes.

“I love you, but that I will not do.” Famous last words, Rachel Weisz.

There’s our literal and figurative queen, Olivia Colman!

God, maybe I should rewatch Disobedience soon. For the, um, cinematic composition!

If a crow isn’t cawing forebodingly, is it even a Lanthimos film?

I kind of love Emma Stone in a jaunty little straw hat.

Why is everybody in British period pieces always cousins with each other?

Should I get a big, fancy English-barrister wig? For Halloween, at least?

A The Favourite costume is still relevant three or four Stone-Lanthimos collaborations later, right?

We need to go back to communal bathing in buckets, for the sheer gay factor of it all. I mean, definitely not for the hygiene benefits.

This badger-makeup scene is once again making me LOL.

Mean Rachel Weisz is so life-alteringly hot to me.

Tell me my makeup makes me look too insane to meet the Russian ambassador, queen!

Do not look at Queen Anne! Do not look at her in the eyes!

Why have I never made the connection between Queen Anne and 30 Rock’s Tracy Jordan before? They must have the same rising sign.

Anne moaning from gout pains is very me-after-dinner-on-a-regular-basis. Maybe I should look into that.

“Cousin, the beef.”

Ooh, horses! In a forest!

Lesbians sure do know their way around a medicinal salve/poultice, don’t they, girlies?

Imagine being immune to Rachel Weisz’s charms! Couldn’t be me.

Nicholas Hoult is simply soooooo pretty in this movie. I guess statement blush and a curly wig will do that to a boy.

I love the way Sarah (that is Rachel Weisz’s character’s actual name, by the way) says “mascara.”

Ooh, good cakespo in this scene.

“Sometimes a lady likes to have some fun.” Okay, Cyndi Lauper.

Oh, yeah, I forgot that Sarah technically has a “husband.” Likely thing for a 1705-era dyke to have!

Okay, now we’re cooking, Anne’s-makeup-wise! Should I draw a statement mole on my face?

First official lesbian snog, just 30 or so minutes into the film! With Abigail peeping, no less! Yorgos Lanthimos, the ally that you are.

Defying your lover’s orders on how to properly eat to avoid a flareup of your illness (IBS, in my case)… Anne, we’re so the same girl. Except nobody ever pushes me around my mansion while I bravely hold a little candle.

“Work both sides of the street” is my new favorite bisexual euphemism.

Nobody does a giant-baby cry like Olivia Colman.

Should I get 17 rabbits?

I honestly forgot there’s heterosexual sex in this movie.

Oh, it’s so on between Abigail and Anne.

Lobster race!!!!!!!!

I do not understand what anyone is talking about re: land tax, but that’s okay.

“Men should not sneak up on women.” Tea. Am I the only one who remembers that Six Feet Under cold open where the men sneak up on their female friend and she thinks they’re strangers and runs into traffic and dies?

Pretty Little Liars mention! Sort of.

Hell hath no fury like a lesbian lover demoted.

These tongue double-entendres are sooooooo crazy!

That’s right, Anne, show Sarah who’s the (weird, sad) boss.

Is it weird that I feel like taking a mud bath would bWill there be fun in 2026?
“Don’t yell at me! I am the queen!” I’m always saying that.
Oops, Sarah is completely unconscious and being dragged by her horse.
Screaming while wearing a little silk bonnet is such a mood.
That’s how you pronounce “Blenheim”? I’m such a dunce.
How does Rachel Weisz look even better with a giant facial scar?
A Jonathan Swift name-check!
Nobody writes a brooding love letter like a queer woman, whether it’s 1705 or 2026 (via DM).
Wow, I want that striped harlequin outfit Abigail is wearing.
I also want Anne’s “going-through-it” robe, for that matter.
And those lace-edged pillowcases.
Okay, now I’m scared of Anne and done coveting things.
What a film!

Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs based on the thoughts from rewatching The Favourite

FAQs About The Favourite

Q1 Ive heard this movie is a period drama but also a dark comedy Is that accurate
A Absolutely While it has the costumes and setting of an 18thcentury royal court the dialogue and situations are sharply modern witty and often brutally funny in a very dark way

Q2 Whats the significance of the opening credits font being severe
A The stark bold font immediately signals that this isnt a flowery romantic period piece It sets a tone of sharpness tension and modern sensibility preparing you for the films acerbic and confrontational style

Q3 Who is Queen Anne and why is she central to the plot
A Queen Anne was the real Queen of Great Britain in the early 1700s In the film she is a physically unwell emotionally volatile and deeply lonely monarch The entire plot revolves around two womenSarah Churchill and Abigail Mashamvying to become her favourite and gain political power and personal security through their influence over her

Q4 What are the 17 rabbits in Queen Annes bedroom supposed to represent
A The rabbits are a powerful symbol of Queen Annes grief Historically she suffered 17 miscarriages stillbirths or infant deaths The rabbits represent each lost child highlighting the source of her profound trauma and loneliness which makes her vulnerable to manipulation

Q5 Is the political war in the movie based on real history
A Yes in broad strokes The film is set during the War of the Spanish Succession The conflict between the Whigs and the Tories is real as is the influence Sarah Churchill had over the Queen before being supplanted by her cousin Abigail

Q6 The cinematography feels very unique with weird angles and fisheye lenses Why