Victoria & Abdul

Victoria & Abdul tells the story about one of the most unique friendships in world history.

Judi Dench in a sound performance as usual, played a tired queen who isn't fond of the formal processions anymore. She wished for simple and rudimentary existence in this lonely life of a monarch. Ali Fazal was a childlike adventurous Indian scholar Abdul Karim, who came to present the Mohur medallion coin to her during the jubilee ceremony. The two crossed eyes for the first time, and the title card's dropped!

They formed a platonic and special friendship through the common eye they shared. Urdu teachings, stereotypes breaking, food differences, cultures blending and knowledge sharing were lovely, occasionally funny. The first hour they've spent together was a firm establishment on their relationship, however, the writing failed to expand or explore more on the significance of the Queen to Abdul, and sometimes vice versa. More visual proofs needed.

It's clear that this relationship has stirred heavy controversy and jealousy among the aristocrats but no actions were taken! Do something! They were only complaining throughout the first half until it got repetitious at a point. It's only at the other half the forces of antagonism made their steps to achieve their goal. Even though they got beaten up hard each time of trial, as long as there were actions, the story was moving. And the conflicts got fairly tight, close and claustrophobic towards the end.

Stephen Frears is good with production design, settings and costumes as always. In this colorful celluloid, we experience royal, majestic and grand palace protocols! The setting's nice, especially the windy Scotland vineyard, and even better food! Some of his visual cues such as signifying the Queen's breath has stopped with absence of bubbles were well done.