MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (2019) MOVIE REVIEW
Historical inaccuracies are something far from new to the silver screen. For years, Hollywood has been making movies that attempt to present a new twist on numerous tales over history. Whether it be Robin Hood or religious events, there seems to be no event too significant to alter. In the case of "Mary Queen of Scots", while there are many events altered to favour the film, it still tries to coexist alongside trying to be that next big historical biopic. And in the end, that unfortunately ended up being director Josie Rourke's biggest downfall.
As the name suggests, the film follows Mary Stuart as she tries to overthrow her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, Queen of England, several years prior to being executed by her adversary's hand. Not much to say about the plot here as the overall arc is structured decently but as for the pacing? Well thats a different story. Easily my biggest critique of the movie was that of the pacing. At times the movie would flow exceptionally and tell the story as it probably should have been. Plus alot of times the movie will implement tedious time skips and it just doesn't mesh well with the rest of movie, leaving the viewer confused at times frustrated as you try and catch up with what time frame we are in and how many years have actually passed between scenes.
Containing such an elite level cast, you can't help but be excited. And for the most part, it's hard to disagree on the acting side of things. Saoirse Ronan, Guy Pearce, David Tennant. All award deserving talents yet all are overshadowed by one woman, Margot Robbie. Robbie exquisitely portrays the strong and cunning Queen of England and it's a real shame you don't see too much of her throughout the film's runtime as we see are only shown short scenes of her not even periodically. Though thankfully, towards the end of the movie, we are shown more and more of her and her relations with her cousin Mary portrayed by Saoirse Ronan whom also does a great job as the leading woman. Regarding it's two oscar nominations, it wouldn't be fair to simply overlook them as the makeup, hairstyling and costume design are easily one of the highlights. Each set manages to look beautiful and true to the era with particular props going to the designers behind Mary and Elizabeth's costume design as both looked proper and made to be rulers of their respective lands.
Overall, despite numerous flaws in the plot and directorial issues in not quite knowing it wanted to be, the film wasn't terrible. Saved by great actings from our two leads and set designs that keep your attention without even realising, it's safe to say that without these two key features, Mary Queen of Scots would have ended up being worse off than Mary by the film's climax.
OVERALL
5 / 10
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