JOSIE ROURKE

MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS (2019)

Starring Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Joe Alwyn, Maria Dragus, Martin Compston, Jack Lowden, Guy Pearce, David Tennant, Brendan Coyle and Gemma Chan. Directed by Josie Rourke.

Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth 1. Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.

REVIEWS Mary Queen of Scots - Shallow regal intrigue