So I heard about this movie with two leading ladies, lots of political scheming, and confrontation that would entertain even the purest soul. What movie do I speak of? Why none other than the recent Mary Queen of Scots, starring the brilliant Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.
This movie may be one of the best feminist masterpieces ever constructed. The eponymous Queen Mary may or may not be a familiar figure in your everyday life — I guess that depends on how much you obsess over royal monarchical history. Regardless of your previous knowledge of this badass in history, Mary’s story is a work of art, inspiring any number of people who doubt themselves to instead stand almighty in the face of hardship.
Mary starts the film as a widow from France, looking to ask her cousin, Queen Elizabeth of England, to be the successor to Elizabeth’s crown. As in all political dramas, the two rulers don’t see eye to eye, looking to serve their people as power hungry soloists.
But in all honesty, seeing these two women vie for victory is too perfect to miss. Especially in a time where women’s rights were treated more as a joke than anything serious. Did you say “women’s rights” is a thing? Why, yes, yes I did.
Ronan’s performance as Mary is stunning, literally. She glows in power, confidence, and stardom. It doesn’t matter when her brother tries to overthrow her, or when she has no other choice but to flee Scotland for safety — Mary’s strength is a constant. Ronan’s ability to stand poised in the face of aversion fuels my feminist heart.
But we can’t forget about Robbie’s performance as Elizabeth, oh no. As a foil to Ronan, Robbie performs unfortunate yet powerful Elizabeth beautifully. Mary’s ease at life is nothing compared to the pain, struggle, and paranoia that afflicts Elizabeth, thus creating much of the drama of the film. When you see Robbie with a pock-marked face, balding head, and pain-seared features, you’ll see just how poignant of a performance she can carry as the complex Queen Elizabeth.
I think what really makes this movie shine are the moments of camaraderie the two queens face during the course of the plot. It doesn’t happen often, considering they only meet together in one scene. Still, through the exchanging of letters, the two women want the same conclusion at the end of the day: a unification of their people.
Do their people want this? Of course not. Where would the conflict of the movie (or the struggle in history for that matter) be if the two queens agreed immediately, signed a treaty, and drank some wine on the shore of England? Yeah, that’s not exactly the juicy details royal fanatics want.
Instead, issues of Mary’s Catholicism in a changing realm of Protestantism cause further dilemma for the two queens. Under Mary’s rule, she wishes to bridge this separation and allow her subjects to worship either religion. Once more, this is where the modern feminist mind that I possess screams in joy.
Mary touts this honest confidence and hope the entire film, as she did in the time she walked this Earth. She knows her worth, wants her people to prosper, and falters numerous times in dignity. With this, she earns her place as the titular character of the film.
As two strong women playing two remarkable queens in history, Mary Queen of Scots shines as a movie to beat just as 2019 is thrust upon us. Beyond the political drama and feminist appeal, the scenery and cinematography only enhance the film as an art.
If you’re reading this, go to the theatre this instant — I’m giving you full permission to be hasty — and see Mary Queen of Scots. You’ll thank me later.
