As the King’s Coronation approaches, we’re taking a look back at some of the ways in which the monarch has been represented in the media, and how that has changed (if it has) over the years. It’s challenging to find indie films that specifically feature or explore the history of the British Royal Family. Most films about the royal family tend to be mainstream productions. However, here is a list of lesser-known films featuring royalty that are either directly or loosely related to the monarch.
1. W.E. (2011)
Directed by Madonna, this film intertwines the story of Wallis Simpson and King Edward VIII’s controversial romance with a modern tale of a woman named Wally.
W.E. (2011) is a British historical romantic drama film co-written and directed by Madonna (who would’ve thought). The film is a dual narrative, featuring two parallel storylines connected by themes of love, sacrifice, and the challenges faced by women in different eras.
The first storyline revolves around the controversial romance between Wallis Simpson (played by Andrea Riseborough – a Raindance Alumni!), an American divorcee, and King Edward VIII (played by James D’Arcy), the British monarch who abdicated the throne in 1936 to marry her.
The second storyline, set in 1998, follows Wally Winthrop (played by Abbie Cornish), a young woman living in New York City who becomes obsessed with the story of Wallis and Edward. Wally’s unhappy marriage mirrors Wallis’s struggles, and as she learns more about the famous couple, she finds the strength to make changes in her own life.
2. Lady Jane (1986)
A British historical drama about the short-lived reign of Lady Jane Grey, directed by Trevor Nunn.
Lady Jane (1986) is a British historical drama directed by Trevor Nunn and starring Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Jane Grey, along with Cary Elwes as Guildford Dudley. The film tells the story of the brief and tragic reign of Lady Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for just nine days in 1553.
Although the film takes some liberties with historical events for dramatic purposes, Lady Jane provides a compelling and poignant portrayal of a young woman thrust into a position of power and the tragic consequences that follow.
3. Mary Queen of Scots (2018)
A Swiss-French historical drama that portrays the life of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, and her rivalry with Elizabeth I of England.
Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary Stuart defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. However, Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. 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.
4. The Other Boleyn Girl (2008)
A British-American romantic historical drama film directed by Justin Chadwick, which tells the story of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn, both of whom become romantically involved with King Henry VIII.
As King Henry VIII’s and wife Catherine of Aragon struggle to produce a male heir, Henry summons the Boleyn family to his court in search of a mistress. While initially inclined to Anne, Henry instead has his eyes on the more innocent Mary, despite her already being married to the equally innocent William Carey (Benedict Cumberbatch).
5. The Favourite (2018)
Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, this film is a dark comedy-drama about the relationship between two cousins, Sarah Churchill and Abigail Hill, who are vying for the favour of Queen Anne.
In the early 18th century, England is at war with France; nevertheless, duck-racing and pineapple-eating are thriving. 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 new servant Abigail (Emma Stone) arrives, her charm endears her to Sarah. Sarah takes Abigail under her wing and Abigail sees a chance at a return to her aristocratic roots. As the politics of war become quite time-consuming for Sarah, Abigail steps into the breach to fill in as the Queen’s companion. Their burgeoning friendship gives her a chance to fulfil her ambitions and she will not let woman, man, politics, or rabbit stand in her way.
Fade Out
As the happenings of the monarchy progress, we can only anticipate how their representation in the media will change. Especially with members of the royal family opening up in mainstream media, it would be intriguing to see how their stories evolve in cinema and if they will ever take on a more casual or candid approach.
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