The Lobster, a quirky black comedy about a man given 45 days to find a romantic partner or be turned into an animal, was definitely one of 2015’s surprise hits. His Killing of a Sacred Deer also spooked and blew away audiences last year. Now director Yorgos Lanthimos has unveiled the teaser trailer for his next and equally quirky film The Favourite. The minute-long teaser presents Lanthimos’ film as another black comedy with satirical elements, with Deadline describing its premise as a “bawdy, acerbic tale of royal intrigue, passion, envy and betrayal.”
Starring The Lobster’s Olivia Colman and Rachel Weisz, The Favourite follows the rule of Queen Anne (Colman), who reigns over England during an 18th century conflict with the French. The aristocracy continues to enjoy such “thriving” luxuries like duck racing and pineapple eating, yet Anne’s growing madness requires her friend Lady Sarah (Weisz) to govern the country in her stead. Sarah eventually befriends Abagail (Emma Stone), a servant girl whose views their friendship as “a chance to return to her aristocratic roots.” However, as the politics of war become time consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps up to become the Queen’s new companion.
In addition to the three leading ladies, The Favourite will also star Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, and Mark Gatiss. The film was based on a screenplay by Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara and will see a theatrical release on November 23.