Mary Queen of Scots (2018)

The new film version of Mary Queen of Scots tales the story of the 16th century Scottish monarch more clearly then the film version of her life I had previously seen, the 1936 John Ford production staring Katharine Hepburn. In part this is because Mary's life didn't meet MPPA standards of morality, and in part because this version is better written and better acted. While promotion for this movie makes it look something like a cat fight between Scotland's Mary (Saorise Ronan) and England's Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) (both actresses are very good here) it's really not, though their rivalry is a central through line this is Mary's story not the pairs, Ms. Ronan gets the heft of the screen time with Margot appearing as needed. It's a fine film, though I never really got to feel that emotionally invested in the proceedings, these characters are not that likable.

As is increasingly common with period pieces non Caucasian actors are sprinkled throughout the film, despite the fact that 16th century Britain was almost exclusively white, there were no African lords and Asian ladies in waiting in the islands royal courts. I am of mixed mind on this trend, I'm not necessarily opposed, especially when the film is done in a rather stylized manner, however with the degree of period verisimilitude this movie was generally going for, racial diversity in casting did take me out of the moment and felt a little distracting. Also Mary seemed unusually understanding of alternative life styles for a 16th century Catholic. I feel like I should be giving Mary Queen of Scots ***1/2, it was really well done, however watching the thing it really did feel more like a ***.