25 must-see films playing at this year’s AFI Fest

Mary, Queen of Scots

What’s the story?: The story of the infamous rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I (Margot Robbie) and her French cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots (Saoirse Ronan).

The closing night film of this year’s AFI Fest is a political costume drama about two women who came to define the countries they ruled. Mary, Queen of Scots, was often considered the prettier, younger, and more compliant version of the tempestuous Queen Elizabeth I. (Mind you, much of this was promoted by the male courtiers who were part of both women’s parliaments.) Each Queen came with their own challenges – Mary was widowed as a teenager and had terrible taste in men, leading to complications in her personal life that bubbled over into her political career. While Elizabeth, long touted as the Virgin Queen, refused to marry and create an alliance that left England perpetually vulnerable.

To say I’m a nerd when it comes to the Tudor/Stuart era of England is an understatement. I read every book published on the subject and I’ve been waiting for a proper film about the male-created rivalry between these two legendary rulers. On top of that, two of the best actresses out there today are playing these strong women. Both Robbie and Ronan are coming off Oscar nominations: Robbie for her role as disgraced figure skater Tonya Harding and Ronan for playing the hilariously real Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson in Greta Gerwig’s Lady Bird. There’s hope that this movie could secure nominations for them again.

AFI Fest runs Thursday, Nov. 8 through Thursday, Nov. 15. Don’t forget to check back here on Culturess for our coverage of the film festival.