3.5/5 stars In spite of its historical inaccuracies, this period biopic proves an enjoyable, rambunctious romp through British history. Set during the reign of Elizabeth I of England (1533-1603), and directed by British theatre director Josie Rourke, it brings a feminine viewpoint to history by emphasising “yin” qualities over “yang”. It reduces the vast array of male lords and suitors to supporting players, and highlights sisterhood and female solidarity over aggression and violence. While that is a commendable aim, it falls flat because the two female characters, Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, were in reality both skilled strategists who were more than capable of outmanoeuvring their menacing male subjects. I, Tonya review: Margot Robbie shines as disgraced ice skater Mary Queen of Scots jumps right into the fray, so viewers outside the Sceptred Isle will need to know some basic British history. The political issue which drives the story is the schism between Catholics and Protestants during Elizabethan times. Elizabeth’s father Henry VIII had abandoned Roman Catholicism to become free of Papal interference, and the Protestant church was established in England by Elizabeth. There were Protestant factions in Scotland, too, led by the preacher John Knox. But Mary was a Catholic, and the English parliament worried that her presence on the Scottish throne would encourage the Catholics living in England to rebel. The first part of the story adheres to the facts quite well. On the death of her father, Mary (Saoirse Ronan) returns from France, where she has lived from childhood, to ascend to the throne in Scotland. The Catholics support her, the Protestants tolerate her. Down in England, Scotland’s more powerful neighbour, Queen Elizabeth (Margot Robbie) recognises that Mary is the legitimate heir, but worries her Catholicism will lead some English subjects to support her. Things take a turn for the worst when Mary claims that her lineage means that she is the true heir to the English throne, too. So subtle machinations are set in place by the English to halt Mary’s regal ambitions. It’s here that the film descends into fantasy. Although Elizabeth respected Mary, they were never friends, and all of Elizabeth’s actions towards her were born of political expediency rather than friendship. The film fabricates a kind of sisterhood between the two, which shows them both working hard to mitigate the violence and deception of the men around them. Director Rourke even makes up a meeting between the two queens that has Elizabeth dazzled by Mary’s beauty and courage. In reality, it’s thought that Elizabeth kept Mary alive for so long simply because she did not want to kill a queen – she worried that killing her would legitimise regicide and imperil her own crown. Still, the two leads work hard to bring the queens to life, and Robbie is especially powerful as Elizabeth. Want more articles like this? Follow SCMP Film on Facebook