Mary Queen of Scots

Biography, Drama, History

"Mary Queen of Scots" explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Robbie). Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination.

Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.

Directed by: Josie Rourke
Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, Guy Pearce
Produced by: Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Debra Hayward
Screenplay by: Beau Willimon
Based on: Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart by John Guy

Music by: Max Richter
Cinematography: John Mathieson
Edited by: Chris Dickens

Production company: Studiocanal, Working Title Films, Perfect World Pictures
Distributed by: Focus Features (United States), Universal Pictures (International)
Release date: 15 November 2018 (AFI), 7 December 2018 (United States), 18 January 2019 (United Kingdom)

Running time: 125 minutes
Country: United Kingdom, United States
Language: English

Cast

Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scots and Elizabeth's cousin
Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I, Mary's cousin and the Queen of England and Ireland
Jack Lowden as Henry Darnley, Mary's second husband
Joe Alwyn as Robert Dudley, Elizabeth's counselor and lover
David Tennant as John Knox, founder of the Church of Scotland
Guy Pearce as William Cecil, advisor to Elizabeth
Gemma Chan as Bess of Hardwick, a friend and confidante of Elizabeth and keeper of Mary
Martin Compston as Lord Bothwell, Mary's third husband
Ismael Cruz Córdova as David Rizzio, Mary's close friend and confidant
Brendan Coyle as Earl of Lennox, father of Lord Darnley
Ian Hart as Lord Maitland, Lord Chancellor of Scotland
Adrian Lester as Lord Randolph, Elizabeth's ambassador to Scotland
James McArdle as the James, Earl of Moray, Regent of Scotland

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