REVIEW: Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie Shine in Mary Queen of Scots
Queen Elizabeth I’s point of view has been told several times in film over the last few years. From Cate Blanchett’s turn as Queen Elizabeth I to Judi Dench’s portrayal in Shakespeare In Love, Queen Elizabeth’s story has been told and told often. Mary, Queen of Scotland, and Queen Elizabeth I’s first cousin, has her opportunity to share her story in Josie Rourke’s new film Mary Queen of Scots.
Mary, played by Saoirse Ronan, returns to Scotland after her husband, the King of France, passes. She is there to take the throne she first ascended to as a newborn. Scotland was being ruled by her half brother Lord Moray and even though Mary is devoutly Catholic in a newly Protestant nation, she reclaims her throne.
Mary is quick to learn not everyone is joyful their Queen has returned. The council surrounding her, who should guide her in her role, is more often than not constantly looking to overthrow her. Driven by her passionate and impetuous nature, Mary soon encounters suitors who also aren’t looking to help her either. Mary begins a correspondence with her cousin, Elizabeth, not in effort to embrace her remaining family but rather to create a tenuous bond with another queen, particularly one ruling next door. Mary and Elizabeth are as different as oil and vinegar, despite the commonality of their youth and being ruling queens.
Mary’s tale is one of passion and intrigue and all the good, salacious happenings of court. Mary is exuberant and her court is joyful, although suspicious. Elizabeth, as her counterpart, is portrayed as dour and fearful in this film. It’s the difference in how each chooses to rule her nation that ultimately decides their fates, with one ending in death by beheading upon the orders of the other.
Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie are fantastic as Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Saoirse handles the role of Mary with ease and she finds a way to make her character stand out in every scene. Margot, who had the unenviable task of adding another actor’s portrayal of Queen Elizabeth I to the ever growing list, also does a nice job making the character her own. There have been many iterations of Queen Elizabeth I portrayed on screen, but Margot’s is unlike any we have seen before. The back and forth, through letter and the lone, pivotal face to face meeting, between Saoirse and Margot as Mary and Elizabeth, is a highlight of the film.
It’s important to note that even though Saoirse and Margot are promoting the film as if they share equal screen time, this film is Mary’s story (hence the title). The audience has glimpses from Queen Elizabeth I’s point of view, but the story is very much Mary’s point of view. It would have been interesting to see the story told from equal points of view but that may have detracted too much from the thrilling tale of Mary.
This film features two stellar performances by two remarkable women based on two iconic queens. I highly suggest seeing Mary, Queen of Scots in theaters, or renting it when it is released on DVD and On Demand next year.
Grade: A