Synopsis
In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.
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Cast
- Saoirse RonanMary Stuart
- Margot RobbieQueen Elizabeth I
- Jack LowdenHenry Darnley
- Joe AlwynRobert Dudley
- David TennantJohn Knox
- Guy PearceWilliam Cecil
- Gemma ChanBess of Hardwick
- Martin CompstonEarl of Bothwell
- Ismael Cruz CórdovaDavid Rizzio
- Brendan CoyleEarl of Lennox
Recommendations
- 92
TheWrap
Ronan’s fiery Mary and Robbie’s emotionally complex Elizabeth truly reign divine on screen. - 91
The Playlist
Despite its ruff collars and Elizabethan English, Mary Queen of Scots is no staid, stuffy period drama, as restrained as the breathing of corseted women. Instead, this a vital film, whose lace-trimmed bosom heaves with life. - 80
The Guardian
It is a finely constructed drama, avoiding stuffiness without slipping into camp territory and while diehard historians might disapprove, everyone else will be supremely entertained. - 80
Empire
A history lesson with more fire in the belly than most. It turns out that a feminist angle really can revive the same old Tudor psychodramas, thanks in large part to Ronan and Robbie’s authoritative performance. - 80
The Telegraph
The film is led by a performance of thrilling regality and nuance from Saoirse Ronan as Mary. - 70
The Hollywood Reporter
Director Rourke exhibits confidence and enthusiasm in dealing with such juicy material in the company of her two outstanding young actresses. - 70
Screen Daily
Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie are both superb in muted performances and, while the film’s palace intrigue gets a bit dense, the story never loses sight of its deep compassion for these characters and their shared plight of being held hostage by conniving, belittling, power-hungry men determined to usurp their authority. - 67
IndieWire
While this flinty and forever relevant medieval drama perfectly embodies the struggles of its heroines, it also shares their fatal inability to reconcile personal strife with political strategy.
