By Niamh ODonoghue
13th Dec 2018
13th Dec 2018
Roz Purcell pictured at an exclusive first look of Mary, Queen of Scots at The Stella Theatre, Ranelagh before it hits cinemas nationwide on January 18th. Guests were treated to a prosecco & canapé reception upon arrival and were among the first to see the film in the country. Starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie Mary, Queen of Scots explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart. Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I. Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence. Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty. Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history. Photo: Anthony Woods
The premiere of Mary Queen of Scots’ took place in the new Stella Theatre in the Devlin Hotel in Ranelagh, Dublin 6, this week where guests were treated to a prosecco and canapé reception, followed by a screening of the film.
Saoirse Ronan portrayed as a young, heroic, gusto-fuelled Queen Mary of Scotland is a captivating sight. And Margot Robbie as her cousin, Queen Elizabeth The First is equally beguiling. This is in part because of award-winning costume designer Alexandra Byrne’s painstakingly accurate costume designs and Jenny Shircore’s literal hair-raising hair and makeup, and in part because of the captivating performance between the two (despite only meeting face-to-face just once).
Widowed at just 16, Queen Mary (Saorise) returns from France to rule Scotland, only the land is already ruled by first cousin Queen Elizabeth. By blood, Queen Mary is next in line to the British and Scottish crowns, but insecure Queen Elizabeth (Margot) won’t concede to this younger attractive, fertile women. What follows is an old-fashioned, majestic rivalry that is haunting and enchanting. The narrative is sexy, raw and at times a bit lax, but alluring. Both Ronan and Robbie execute their roles with precision.
The film, which is already subject to critical acclaim and Oscar buzz with four stars from The Guardian, The Telegraph, The Times and Empire, is out in cinemas from January 18, but you can see the official trailer below.
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