Victoria & Abdul

Victoria & Abdul is a period drama film directed by Stephen Frears and released in 2017. The movie is based on the real-life relationship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim. The film stars Judi Dench as Queen Victoria and Ali Fazal as Abdul Karim, along with a cast of talented actors including Tim Pigott-Smith, Eddie Izzard, and Michael Gambon.

The movie tells the story of Queen Victoria, who is shown as being bored and lonely in her later years as the monarch of the British Empire. She has lost her beloved husband Albert and is looking for something to fill the void in her life. Her life takes a turn when she meets Abdul Karim, an Indian clerk who comes to Britain to present her with a ceremonial coin. Abdul catches the queen's eye with his charm, intelligence, and good looks, and soon the two become friends.

Victoria finds solace in Abdul's company and continues to spend time with him despite the disapproval of her courtiers and family. Her relationship with Abdul upsets the status quo within the royal household, and soon there is a political and social upheaval that threatens their friendship.

The film beautifully portrays the unlikely friendship between the aging queen and the young Indian servant. Judi Dench delivers a superb performance as Queen Victoria, capturing the loneliness and boredom that plagued the monarch in her later years. Her portrayal of Victoria is empathetic and engaging, and she effortlessly captures the queen's vulnerability and a sense of loneliness.

Ali Fazal's portrayal of Abdul is equally impressive. He portrays Abdul as a smart and ambitious young man who is unashamed of his Indian heritage. He treats the queen with respect and admiration, but there is a sense of irony and mischief in his eyes that hints at his true nature.

The movie also takes a critical look at the British Empire and its colonialist policies. The relationship between Victoria and Abdul is shown to be a symbol of a changing world, where the traditional roles of the colonial ruler and the colonized are being challenged. The conflict between liberal and conservative attitudes is palpable throughout the movie, with Victoria and Abdul representing the new and progressive, and the British establishment representing the old and conservative.

The film's production values are impressive, with lavish sets and costumes that accurately portray the opulence of the Victorian era. The movie is also visually stunning, with expertly composed shots that showcase the beauty of London and the British countryside.

Overall, Victoria & Abdul is a thought-provoking film that tackles complex themes of friendship, loneliness, and identity in a changing world. The film's excellent performances, beautiful cinematography, and critical approach to the British Empire make the movie a must-watch for any fan of historical dramas.