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| Focus Features |
Victoria & Abdul (2017, directed by Stephen Frears. England, English, Color, 112 minutes) It has been 20 years since Judi Dench last played Queen Victoria in "Mrs. Brown", and what a perfect way to return to the role that earned her her first Oscar nomination than with a story that takes place in about the same timeframe where that film left off? Like in "Mrs. Brown", the matriarch finds herself enamored with a younger man, but this time it's a young Indian, Muslim servant named Abdul. It's a timely story about cross-cultural interactions among people, but it never has that heft that makes it anything more than a lighthearted piece of social commentary.
From the jump, Victoria is completely bored by the pomp and circumstance of her life. She chows down on a multi-course dinner with various heads of state to get the whole thing over with, even catching a nap at the table before dessert. The look of agony that falls upon the pastry dessert says it all about her unwillingness to continue on this charade of too much formality and righteousness. But then she sees Abdul, who was plucked from the Indian Empire to present her with a commemorative coin and it jump starts her thirst for life. It's appropriate that at the end of that opening reel the title card comes up.
Abdul brings in a breath of fresh air to the queen's life as the end of her historic reign nears, showering her his culture, life, language and religion. Of course his teachings are rebuffed by her posh family and staff who have been so pampered and stuck in a routine of formalities than embracing life as a whole. Like most star-crossed lovers the familial divide and their own divide plays a part in the "mostly" true story.
Even if the story itself is trite the production design is sumptuous, blending traditional Victorian-era with lavish Indian dress and interiors. I wasn't bored watching it because of the film's look, even though the story was a bit tiring and predictable. Though, Judi Dench is unmatched in another wonderful performance. Her jollity and childish youth as the aging Queen Victoria is a delight for the veteran actress. How wonderful it is to see a woman of her age, 82, to still show a love for her craft in what is still her prime years. She worked well with Ali Fazal (as Abdul), but she really shows off her abrasive chops when she unleashes a tongue lashing on her family and staff. Those scenes of dramatic contrast were more interesting than hearing the gossip surrounding Abdul's presence as a source of happiness to the queen. On that note, why do stories like these always have to pull apart two well-to-do happy persons? Is happiness illegal?
In any event, "Victoria & Abdul" is a sweet little nugget that is light entertainment with a good cast. It's everything you expect and nothing more, nothing less. Take that as you will.
Rating: C
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