“The Favourite”

“The Favourite” is a deliciously tawdry black comedy that’s also a surprisingly affecting period drama taking place in the somewhat fictionalized court of Queen Anne. In early 18th-century England, a frail Queen Anne occupies the throne and her close friend Lady Sarah governs the country in her stead, while tending to Anne’s ill health and mercurial temper.  But when new servant, the ambitious Abigail, arrives, a love triangle ensues.

Although its multiple Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild and Critics’ Choice awards nominations make it an Academy Awards frontrunner, this is not your typical Oscar-bait historical drama with formally fancy costumes and stilted dialogue. Quite the opposite: “The Favourite” is an unapologetically profane, bracingly biting and wildly compelling tale of royal power plays fueled by three virtuoso actresses — Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz– portraying refreshingly complex women.

One reviewer concludes: Director Yorgos Lanthimos outfits his costume drama in gaudy trappings like f-bombs, love triangles and duck races, but thanks to the bravura trio of actresses, “The Favourite” offers underneath a simple, timely, all-too-human tale of jealousy, survival and power.

Wed.-Fri., Jan. 23-25, 7 pm. Tickets $8 adults. Rated R