Mary, Queen of Scots review: An excellent, if factually wild, exercise in historical empathy

Trailing the petticoats of Oscar contender The Favourite is another female-centric period drama about the notorious feud between Elizabeth I and Mary Stuart.

Though this film is far more serious and conventional than its competition, it’s also clearly angled at awards season. Its contenders, Margot Robbie as Elizabeth and Saoirse Ronan as Mary, are undeniably strong here, though attempts to ugly Robbie up with the pox are predictably futile.

On her return to the ruggedly handsome Highlands, Mary attempts to stir up rebellion and unite the kingdoms of England and Scotland under her Catholic reign.

Only marginally more accurate than Michael Bay’s retelling of Pearl Harbor, this is better viewed as a fantastical imaginative exercise in historical empathy.

Modern sensibilities such as gender fluidity – Elizabeth says she’s ‘more man than woman’ – and public ownership of women’s bodies are transplanted with deft skill onto a compelling tale of royal rivalry. Allow yourself to forget the facts and this fiction will sweep you up into its bewigged bosom.