The Young Victoria

REVIEW:

The Young Victoria marked my first foray into the period drama genre, and I have to admit, I went into it assuming it wouldn’t be my type of movie. Period pieces tend to have a slower pace, and I thought I might struggle to stay engaged. However, to my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed this film! It’s an enchanting mix of history, romance, and political intrigue, and I found myself completely captivated by the story of Queen Victoria’s early life.

At the heart of The Young Victoria is Emily Blunt, who delivers a mesmerising performance as the young queen. Although she had already made her mark in Hollywood with roles like The Devil Wears Prada, this was her first time carrying a film as the lead, and she truly shines. Blunt commands every scene, portraying Victoria’s vulnerability, strength, and evolution with incredible range. Whether she’s asserting herself against political adversaries or tenderly navigating her relationship with Albert, Blunt embodies the queen with grace and depth.

The supporting cast is equally impressive. Rupert Friend is charming and earnest as Prince Albert, and the chemistry between him and Blunt gives the royal romance real emotional weight. Paul Bettany as Lord Melbourne, Victoria’s trusted advisor, brings a sense of subtle manipulation and care to his role. But perhaps the standout in terms of villainy is Mark Strong, who is chilling as Sir John Conroy. His overbearing presence as Victoria’s mother’s manipulative advisor makes you genuinely despise him—a testament to Strong’s effectiveness in the role.

As someone who is British, I was initially a bit thrown by the complexity of the royal titles and historical figures. I realised how little I actually knew about the Royal Family’s history, and I found myself struggling at first to keep up with all the different names and roles. However, I encourage you to persevere, as the narrative becomes clearer as the movie progresses. The film does a good job of balancing historical accuracy with compelling drama, and soon enough, I was fully immersed in the story.

One of the undeniable highlights of The Young Victoria is its stunning visual presentation. The costumes are absolutely exquisite, perfectly capturing the opulence of the time, while the sets are equally impressive. Filmed at iconic British locations such as Blenheim Palace, Ham House, and Arundel Castle, the movie feels authentically majestic. The cinematography beautifully showcases these settings, making the film as much a feast for the eyes as it is an engaging historical drama.

If I have one critique, it’s that the movie could have been longer. The Young Victoria covers so much ground, from Victoria’s lonely upbringing to her ascent to the throne, her complicated relationship with her mother and Sir John Conroy, her romance with Albert, the Bedchamber crisis, and even an assassination attempt. While each narrative thread is well-executed, I found myself wishing for more time to delve deeper into these pivotal moments in Victoria’s life. Nevertheless, the film does a great job of balancing the personal and political, even within its limited runtime. Overall, The Young Victoria was a delightful surprise—an elegant, well-acted drama that I highly recommend.