ODEON Magazine 108 January/February 2019 | Page 5

MUST-SEE OF THE MONTH Mary Queen of Scots 15 Robbie and Ronan go crown to crown in this thrilling Elizabethan drama... DIRECTOR Josie Rourke Starring Margot Robbie, Saoirse Ronan, Joe Alwyn Everyone can relate to family fallouts. But as any historian will tell you, there’s never been a fiercer power struggle than between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart. Back in the 16th century, the two cousins’ lust for the throne set them on a murderous collision course, and while other films have portrayed this blood-soaked chapter of British history, none have caught the intrigue of the Elizabethan age quite like Mary Queen of Scots. Under normal circumstances, biting off this historical epic would be a daunting task for a first-time film director – but not when that director is Josie Rourke. The artistic overseer of London’s Donmar Warehouse theatre has won global acclaim for her stage productions and her debut movie is a dazzling exploration of a disintegrating family. At the heart of the film is the nuanced performance of Saoirse Ronan, who captures the thwarted Mary to perfection. But you won’t be able to take your eyes off an unrecognisable Margot Robbie, who recently proved she wasn’t afraid to glam down in I, Tonya, and excels as the chalk-faced Elizabeth. We’d be amazed if this isn’t a gong contender. 18 JAN MOV IE M ATHEM ATICS + Queens + Cousins + Betrayal Bloodshed = Mary Queen of Scots Watch the trailer or when accompanied by an adult 15 Suitable for ages 15+ 18 Adults only odeon.co.uk 5