Opened: December 7, 2018

Directed by: Josie Rourke

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Margot Robbie, Guy Pearce, David Tennant, Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, Gemma Chan, Martin Compston, Ismael Cruz Córdova, Brendan Coyle, Ian Hart, Adrian Lester, James McArdle, Maria-Victoria Dragus & Eileen O’Higgins

Despite a stellar cast and gorgeous locations and costumes, Mary Queen of Scots fails to get its feet off the ground.

When Mary Stuart (Saoirse Ronan) returns to Scotland to take up her throne. Mary’s cousin Elizabeth (Margot Robbie) is the Queen of England and is threatened by Mary’s claim to her throne. While Elizabeth remains unmarried and childless, Mary produces an heir that could one day unite both kingdoms.

Ronan and Robbie are both fierce and powerful in the lead roles. Though the story largely focuses on them, there’s too much drama with the male characters that overshadows their roles.

There are several historical inaccuracies, however one to be commended is the color-blind casting, which allows cast members like Adrian Lester and Gemma Chan to diversify the historically all-white company.

Final say: No one takes the crown. ★★★☆☆