Film Review: The Young Victoria

I’m going to open this review with a disclaimer. I love royalty. I am a staunch monarchist, and I often wonder what would have been had the French decided NOT to stage a revolution. I mean, would France and England still be competing with one another, or would they have mellowed out? Probably the latter really, especially now that the British monarchy has been riddled with issues like Princess Diana’s death being no accident,  Prince Charles wishing he could be reincarnated as Camilla Parker-Bowles’s (or whatever her surname is now) tampon, and the matter of Kate Middleton’s parents.

That’s not to say the British Monarchy has not been riddled with issues in the past, if The Young Victoria is anything to go by. The film, starring the mighty talented Emily Blunt, is currently in cinemas, taking its viewers back to perhaps the dawn of pre-modernity, complete with plans for health reforms, changes in housing, and the life of a young woman who would become the grandmother of Europe.

Queen Alexandra Victoria became known as the grandmother of Europe because she was skilled in the manner of her role, and what it meant for her country. With her husband she bore nine children, and systematically married them off to royal families and esteemed houses around the continent. Of course, a woman as strong, proud and skilled as she was would also arrange for the marriages of their children, which is how her moniker came about.

But you would not notice this strength, resilience and skill in all its glory as you watch her young self in The Young Victoria. Instead, you are taken back to the life of a young woman trapped, by and despite, her own power. As the movie beings, you almost feel sorry for the princess despite her riches, especially as you contemplate the harsh reality of having your Duchess mother forsake you for the whims of her advisor, who will stop at nothing to have you sign a regency agreement to have him control your affairs until you are 25 years old – even if you wear the crown.

And although it does not exactly work out in the favour of the advisor you’d love to hate (so reminiscent of Jafar from Aladdin), it does keep things difficult for the heroine. Despite the fact that the King is more than onto the schemes of the Duchess, and triumphantly holds out on death until the crown can firmly rest on the head of his niece Victoria, leading a country becomes a problem all too real for a new monarch whose existence has been very sheltered.

And so the film takes you on the journey of a young and inexperienced queen trying to find her footing in an increasingly untrusting world. Despite her riches, and her parties, and her ladies in waiting, Victoria finds herself battling to hold the power owed to her by her status, and not have it hold her. We see her fight troubles within her government, among her people, and throughout her family, while also grappling with the issues of her heart.

And as a young, handsome, and powerful Prime Minister attempts to mould her to his whim, Victoria must decide between the strength she believes he gives her, and the strength that her humble but handsome German cousin, Prince Albert, says is in her all along.

A beautiful love story and coming of age tale complete with costume, drama and history (the film was based on the Queen’s diaries). It’s not the kind of film made with too much fluff – but its simplicity is what makes it work. More suited to a night with the girls than the kind of film you watch with your man, especially on account of the perve factor that is Rupert Friend (who plays Prince Albert), the Young Victoria is definitely a pleasant experience when you don’t want much Hollywood or too much doco.

With a perfect mix of truth and entertainment, and a cast that takes this mix to new heights, The Young Victoria is what cultured films are made of. And to top it off, it earns bonus points for transforming what history remembers as a sour-puss, serious royal into a young woman who is so relatable she could be our best friend – someone who is just as likely to command a kingdom as she is braid our hair. 

Director: Jean-Marc Vallée

Cast: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent

The Young Victoria is in cinemas now