“The Favourite,” starring Rachel Weisz, Olivia Colman and Emma Stone was shocking, relevant and definitely the best work of Yorgos Lanthimos.

Set in the 18th century during a war between France and England, fragile Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) works alongside her devoted friend and lover Lady Sarah Churchill (Rachel Weisz) to lead England during a distraught time of war.

Arguably, the Duck races, feasting and dancing don’t seem to falter even as the country flails in the throes of war. These details Lanthimos thoughtfully included help to keep the movie from being just another story with a war background. As someone who doesn’t love the typical war-torn narrative, I loved the comedic twist.

But the most notable part of the movie is one of the first. Abigail Masham (Emma Stone) comes to the palace in search of a job as a servant. Once a lady but forced to find work, Abigail begins her journey with a push, literally, into a more stinky position. She falls in horse manure. I loved the quick change and contrast between aristocrat and servant.

But Abigail’s position as servant doesn’t last long as she quickly becomes, as the title suggests, the queen’s favorite and sees her chance to slip back into life as an aristocrat.

The story is witty yet almost dark at times but features just enough humor to keep things light and enjoyable. The strong female leads of the film show emotion but their emotions are portrayed just perfectly to leave their strengths apparent. The vulnerability and sorrow is allowed to peek through the ferocious personalities of these women.

And the perfect addition to their personalities was the incredible costumes. Oscar-winning costume designer Sandy Powell completed the story with exquisite work.

According to Vulture, Powell says the 1700s are “largely unexplored in cinema.” With only five weeks and a lower budget than anticipated, Powell helped to explore the unexplored.

Costume design, incredible script and powerful women all make “The Favourite” one of the final strengths in the 2018 film media.