Victoria & Abul is often farcical, rather touching, slightly hammy but always entertaining
It’s an interesting story and the cast play it to perfection... and Judi Dench steals every scene
STEPHEN FREARS (My Beautiful Launderette, The Queen) has delivered what must surely be the last film about Queen Victoria for some time.
We are on the second series of the ITV drama about her young life and this is the second time Dame Judi Dench has taken her on.
Post-Albert and Mr Brown, we are now treated to a funny and warm film about the Queen’s strange friendship with an Indian clerk.
The pairing creates a right old ruck in the palace household as the naivety of her friend softens Victoria’s outlook on life, bringing her comfort in her last days.
It’s an interesting story and the cast play it to perfection.
Eddie Izzard is delightful as future king Bertie and it is crammed full of brilliant cameos, such as Simon Callow as Puccini.
But yet again Judi Dench’s queen completely steals every scene, even when she is asleep or dead.
There are plenty of great moments to relish – in particular a banquet scene where the subjects try to keep up with an extremely hungry Victoria.
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My one big gripe was the opening statement: “Based on real events . . . mostly.” What does that mean? That yes, there was a Queen Victoria but everything else is nonsense?
Go hard or go home with statements like that. It also has a 19th century Indian visiting London and saying: “Cut all the nicey-nicey crap.”
Often farcical, occasionally touching, slightly hammy but always entertaining, this is good, easy fun.
You already know what it will be like – but that is a plus in this case.
Victoria & Abdul (PG) 112 mins
Rating: ★★★☆☆