Read Mixed User Reviews for Mary Queen of Scots

6

TVJerryDec 22, 2018

The titular queen returns to Scotland to claim her rightful crown, but conflict from her cousin Elizabeth in London forms the basis for this drama. There's also an element of feminism, as both women battle the misogynist attitudes of theirThe titular queen returns to Scotland to claim her rightful crown, but conflict from her cousin Elizabeth in London forms the basis for this drama. There's also an element of feminism, as both women battle the misogynist attitudes of their court. The narrative sometimes seems confusing, but the basic plot was discernible (and not all that complex). Those who like historical dramas will enjoy the fine performances and period trappings, although there are some liberties taken with accuracy, including color-blind casting and a gay relationship.… Expand

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5

JLuis_001Feb 18, 2019

I think with enough certainty that this film tried to cover more than it could sustain. It's clear that its ambition was quite great, however considering that although the story is quite interesting, its development unfortunately meets theI think with enough certainty that this film tried to cover more than it could sustain. It's clear that its ambition was quite great, however considering that although the story is quite interesting, its development unfortunately meets the same obstacles that period films usually have. Therefore the truth is that very few people will feel really attracted to the material.

It's true that their leading actresses manage to do a very good work, probably one of the best performances of Margot Robbie, if not the best of her career and surprisingly will go quite unnoticed.
Saoirse Ronan on the other hand maintains her level although we have seen better works from her, however, I think this film was manufactured with the idea of getting nominations in the awards season and considering that went by without making any noise, it's quite evident that its quality and above all its campaign didn't measure up.… Expand

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6

NightReviewsDec 26, 2018

As the clouds roll onto the waving and knotting hills of Scotland, a haze of insecurities, betrayal and bloodshed awaits two powerful Queens; two women whose blood lines and loyalties are blurred by the manipulative and convoluted men inAs the clouds roll onto the waving and knotting hills of Scotland, a haze of insecurities, betrayal and bloodshed awaits two powerful Queens; two women whose blood lines and loyalties are blurred by the manipulative and convoluted men in their lives. Yet although history always tells us that men have been at the forefront of politics and royalty, Mary Queen of Scots is a highly dramatized account of the 16th Century events surrounding Queen Mary (Saoirse Ronan) and Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie), two of the most powerful and influential women, not only of their time, but of all time. As cousins, the two share a very respectful and adorning attitude and relationship, although never meeting according to the pages of history books, Mary Queen of Scots amps us drama for a fateful face-to-face between the two. Young Mary, widowed and eighteen by the time she claims her position as Queen in Scotland, is free-spirited, understanding and audacious. Embracing the many facets of a colourful and diverse world, including homosexuality, Mary’s beliefs and perspectives may be a little too liberal in a 16th Century world, yet we are manipulated into believing anything, especially when Ronan is playing the title role. On the other end, Queen Elizabeth I is a reserved, alienated and scorn barren woman whose fate was almost succumbed to smallpox. Embarrassed and hidden underneath the many layers of white make up to hide her smallpox scars, Elizabeth is riddled with sadness and tragedy, who confidence is hidden underneath elaborate and grandiose dresses that retracts men, even the tenderness and love of a man in desperate search of her love, Robert Dudley (Joe Alwyn). While both actresses are faces of beauty in Hollywood, Ronan’s Mary is the only Queen noticed for her divine and unpaired magnificence. Mary Queen of Scots is just another role to add to Robbie’s recent fascination of diving into roles of women lacking much physical, emotional or mental beauty, despite the actress’ undoubted charm and elegance. Robbie’s interpretation of Elizabeth I is just one more notch under Robbie’s belt solidifying her devotion and passion to her craft.

While it isn’t much of a spoiler to know that Mary’s fate is found on the chopping block in 1587, the film begins with her demise, focusing on just how she got their. The film, directed by Josie Rourke and written by Beau Willimon based on a book by John Guy, historians may very well disregard Mary Queen of Scots because it becomes clear that the film is less fascinated with shedding historical and real light on the life of these two reigning women, and play more like a dramatic narrative, very similar to the style and narrative flow of The Other Boleyn Girl a decade prior. While that film features two of Hollywood’s most promising young actresses then, Mary Queen of Scots showcases two of the strongest young female actors of today.

Both Robbie and Ronan are magnificent in their respective royal roles. Overshadowing all of their male counterparts, even with the likes of David Tennant, Jack Lowden and Guy Pearce gracing the screen, Ronan and Robbie are acting forces, elevating the material of the screen, regardless of how potent it every really becomes. Mary Queen of Scots is a masterclass of acting for two very deserving actresses today.

Both actresses, nominated for Academy Awards the year prior, Ronan for Lady Bird and Robbie for I, Tonya, are in a class of their own, Ronan may reign supreme however between the two budding actresses, after all, the film is called Queen of Scots. Ronan carries the brunt of the film’s heavy story material, constantly dealing with betrayals, death and obscenities beyond her control, despite her position of Queen. Ronan’s delicate portrait of a scourged historical figure is riveting.

Sadly, as the film’s story unfolds and the ruse of each woman’s power is displayed in glorious fashion, the film is still bounded by the approval of men, fertility and virginity. Lines like “How did it come to this? Wise men servicing the whims of women”, or “Worse than a plague is a woman with a crown”, the content of the film is wholly vexed by the presence of men. While the royal women have a clear path to attain their goals, the men provide the women and the film with the majority of the narrative’s twists, turns and rivalries to unfold. Emotions, notions of privilege and family drama are the driving forcing for Mary Queen of Scots, proving the line in the film “the matters of the heart dictate the outcomes of countries” unequivocally.

United and strong, Mary Queen of Scots gives audiences a ponder-some conclusion and climax, basically setting up a narrative film for a fictitious meeting between the two Queens. Decorated and flooded with white sheets to separate the two and set in place to avoid any direct face-to-face contact, the film seems to be one big lead up to this grand moment.… Expand

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5

AllThingTrivialFeb 14, 2019

Not even the excellent acting makes this film anything more than unremarkable. It's one fantastic story.Not even the excellent acting makes this film anything more than unremarkable. It's one fantastic story. The political war of two sovereigns, both women, representing the polar opposite of each other in a time of huge turmoil. A proven young noble with political genius in her veins going against an old hand of politics who has spent a long time protecting her throne from all that challenges it. How this screenplay managed to make such a leviathan conflict mediocre is beyond everyone who paid to see it. The biggest issue is the speed of the screenplay. So eager to cover an enormous expanse of time, it messily cuts from one scene to the next without grounding or context and in so doing destroys any sense of the stakes or importance. Everything goes past in a whirlwind of bits left out and confusing time jumps clumsily explained in conversations. This leaves the characters in exactly the same limbo. They're all totally one dimensional and usually malicious or incompetent. No back story, no explanation of their relevance, no character building. I struggle to care when every single person is a fatuous over-dramatic dullard who speaks in cliches and is on screen for maybe ten minutes in the whole film. As for the main characters they are exceptionally well acted, but held back by a poor screenplay, even ignoring the historical inaccuracies (as some artistic license is required). Mary comes across as a petulant child, who throws away anyone who disagrees with her regardless of their (unexplained but mentioned) importance, is totally oblivious to the political dimension of anything, and rushes from calamity to calamity like a headless chicken. The speed of the narrative doesn't help this as it never demonstrates her aptitude, she never seems a part of any of the big political decisions as the screenplay is too busy having her gossip, and shout at people for disagreeing with her. It takes away from the political force Mary was historically and leaves the narrative unclear. Elizabeth is far better, and my favourite character of the film. She is active in her politics, makes genuinely hard decisions, keeps her composure as a regent must, and grows throughout leaving her to make a decision which - despite the melodrama - shows her growth as a character. She, along with everyone else, seems to have an obsession with banging on about gender - as if this was a hugely debated topic in a society where the average life expectancy was 30-40 during a divide between the two major denominations of Christianity and a political cold war. But again all these topics and indeed how the lines of accession or family tree functioned in relation to Elizabeth and Mary is all skipped over because of the films breakneck speed. Characters come and go, historical events come and go, but they're all a blur. Lost in amongst monologues, jarring dialogue and possibly the worst battle scene ever committed to film in which a 'major battle' that decides if the rebellion succeeds is a horn being blown and twenty guys walking into a river because some people charged at them from the trees. Like everything else, five minutes and done. It feels as if it's there just to say it's there. It is an enjoyable enough film, and certainly watchable, but not something you'll find yourself recommending to anyone else or even talking about at all. When a film is dull enough you forget large parts of it having only watched it a few hours prior, that's all there is to be said.… Expand

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5

MattBrady99Jun 24, 2019

I wasn't quite **** even with the talent involved.

It's too dry for my taste, but not to say there isn't redeemable qualities. The sets, costumes, and performances were all solid, especially with it being a period piece drama. And anI wasn't quite **** even with the talent involved.

It's too dry for my taste, but not to say there isn't redeemable qualities. The sets, costumes, and performances were all solid, especially with it being a period piece drama. And an entertaining performance from David Tennant, in spite of the slim screen time.

However, the sluggish pace ruins any investment I could have with the story and the movie unfortunately follows the period piece drama formula. But seriously, releasing this movie at the same time as 'The Favourite' aka Walk Hard of period dramas, didn't really help.

I think being broke is better than being ''woke''.… Expand

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4

The3AcademySinsNov 6, 2019

Mary Queen of Scots is one of the weakest, most plodding, most boring, and lackluster historical dramas I have ever seen. Not even Margot Robbie and Saorise Ronan can save this shoddily written screenplay. There's almost nothing redeemableMary Queen of Scots is one of the weakest, most plodding, most boring, and lackluster historical dramas I have ever seen. Not even Margot Robbie and Saorise Ronan can save this shoddily written screenplay. There's almost nothing redeemable about the production. It is somehow both incredibly beautiful and utterly lifeless. The action is completely boring. Even the sex scenes somehow manage to be both ostentatious and workmanlike. There's not a whole ton of care taken in regards to historical accuracy. What's most interesting is that this whole story is historically moot, because Queen Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots never met face-to-face in real life, so this movie is more fantasy than anything. However, a lot of the cinematography and costume design is beautiful and engaging. This movie is just a needless bore.… Expand

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5

amheretojudgeJan 28, 2019

Pretentious Tug Of War

Mary Queen Of Scots Rourke's period drama has both, the essence of that era and plethora of drama to fuel the film, what it lacks vigorously is the attitude to own that throne. There is no romance between the audiencePretentious Tug Of War

Mary Queen Of Scots

Rourke's period drama has both, the essence of that era and plethora of drama to fuel the film, what it lacks vigorously is the attitude to own that throne. There is no romance between the audience and the characters; none at all, and hence this repulsive script sets the doom for itself. The storyline is without a doubt, cinematic, dramatic, unlike your usual period drama, it is a script that feeds itself off on the antics. And the filmmakers were aware of them, hence they have directed all their guns on either building up to that peak moment or fill in the blank that would spice up that moment. In order to do so, presumably they have completely lopped off the flamboyancy in narration, there is no flow, it either leaps or skips. The film is incredibly rich in costume, make-up, production design with huge set pieces and jaw dropping location that is clearly appealing.

As mentioned before, the film lacks the poised tone of these characters and storyline, there is not enough ego to boast off in front of anyone or boost off the storytelling furthermore. Set in two different stages, personally I feel there is a lot to peel off in Robbie's section. Her character might be fighting against the entire country or world or her own people, but her greatest fear is herself and that resistance that plays a vital role in this film is the best asset of it.

Unlike Robbie, Ronan gets a character that is completely satisfied with herself and has to fight against the others, but mind you, her track is much more gripping, much more juicy and glorifying. I can see why this has been Ronan's anticipated project for a while, since has got quite a wide range in her character to step in. And respecting the material, the stage, the history and the Queen herself, she is giving her best in each scene.

Among two phases of hers, one of the strongest is in early stages, when she is taking things and people around her lightly and shows every sign of bratty-ness there is. The second half takes over the characters and has too much to say and do to let the actors overpower the storyline. The only time when Ronan and Robbie shares the screen- to which the entire movie is building towards- is well shot, performed and written.

The amount of pressure it has to qualify with good grade on that scene, is well managed on both paper and screen. The other supporting cast doesn't get much to do except for Pearce who has done a decent work. Rourke's world isn't subjective enough to make its audience care for them, it is well aware of its pathos dark world to be appealing, but the content is read off like mere poignant news. Mary Queen Of Scots has everything we have seen in such genre, and its only unique quality which is to create the crisp tense environment between two personalities, is left untouched.… Expand

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5

MasadaSep 25, 2019

Strong players and an excellent wardrobe do not prevent this clutter of plotlines and characters to be an entertaining watch. It jumps from point to point without a clear line of where it wants to go exactly and spends time delving intoStrong players and an excellent wardrobe do not prevent this clutter of plotlines and characters to be an entertaining watch. It jumps from point to point without a clear line of where it wants to go exactly and spends time delving into situations that would have been better suited to flesh out the actual rivalry between Mary and Elizabeth.

At the end, you're scratching your head wondering what exactly happened and what part each and every character actually played in the eventual downfal of the Queen of Scots. A pity, since the story must have been part to the concept of ASOIAF, yet it is sadly mistreated in this incarnation.… Expand

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6

steveymeFeb 18, 2019

Bland story and the politically (in)correct race casting basically just completely undermined my enjoyment.

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6

Brent_MarchantDec 22, 2018

Who would have thought that a movie with such great performances, production values and cinematography could be so dull? Unfortunately, that's the case with this period piece drama. Much of the fault lies with the muddled screenplay, whichWho would have thought that a movie with such great performances, production values and cinematography could be so dull? Unfortunately, that's the case with this period piece drama. Much of the fault lies with the muddled screenplay, which tries so hard not to spoon-feed the audience that it ends up failing to make clear such significant story elements as delineating the rival factions at play and defining the rules of royal succession. In its attempts to explain these things (and not all that well, I might add), the story ends up becoming cumbersome, jumbled and, at times, just plain boring. That's too bad, because Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie deliver excellent portrayals of their historic characters, and many in the film's crew obviously went to a lot of hard work to produce gorgeous sets, costumes and makeup, Regrettably, though, those efforts are all for naught in a film whose mediocre writing and subsequent mediocre execution betray these other fine attributes. Off with their heads!… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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5

jackbailey02Feb 25, 2019

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Oscar bait that didn't really come off. The film is very drawn out, and I know its about Mary, hence the title, but it felt like there could have been more focus on Elizabeth. Agree with some other reviews too, you can't rewrite history because the modern day is very PC, as much as people might not agree with the way things were. The trailer was deceptive too. If you are expecting some kind of Mary vs Elizabeth film with the latter descending into madness, you are going to be disappointed.… Expand

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