Rachel Weisz and Emma Stone star in a scene from the movie "The Favourite." The Catholic News Service classification is O -- morally offensive. (CNS/Fox)

By Catholic News Service

This costume comedy-drama, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, purports to tell the true story of a royal love triangle involving 18th-century British monarch Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) and two of the women in her life: Lady Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough (Rachel Weisz), and Sarah’s ambitious cousin, Abigail Hill (Emma Stone).

Playing fast and loose with the facts, and assuming the close friendships recorded by history were actually passionate lesbian romances, the film ramps up the sex, vulgarity and scheming in a perverse spin on the 1950 classic “All About Eve” as Sarah, a veritable puppeteer telling the sovereign what to say and do, is challenged by Abigail, a devious woman who has fallen on hard times and whose veneer of innocence masks her determination to restore her station in society, whatever the cost.

Strong sexual content, including homosexual activity, full nudity and masturbation, adult themes, occasional profane and rough language. The Catholic News Service classification is O — morally offensive. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is R — restricted. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.

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