The Favourite, directed by Academy Award nominee Yorgos Lanthimos and starring Olivia Colman, Emma Stone and Rachel Weisz, will receive its UK premiere as this year’s American Express Gala at the 62nd BFI London Film Festival on Thursday October 18.

It’s the early 18th century and England is at war with the French. Nevertheless, duck racing and pineapple eating are thriving at court. A frail Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) governs the country in her stead while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper. When a new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to both Sarah and the queen, and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become intense, so too does intrigue at the palace. Abigail is determined to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics or rabbit stand in her way.

The Favourite, a film by Academy Award nominated Yorgos Lanthimos, starring BAFTA and Golden Globe winner Olivia Colman, Academy Award winner Emma Stone and Academy Award winner Rachel Weisz. The Favourite also stars BAFTA nominee Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, James Smith, Primetime Emmy winner Mark Gatiss and Jenny Rainsford.

The Favourite will be released in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on January 1, 2019. The 62nd BFI London Film Festival  takes place from Wednesday October 10 to Sunday October 21, 2018.