This afternoon's movie selection was Victoria and Abdul. This true story recounts the unlikely relationship between the Queen of England and an Indian servant. The story has a factual foundation that tracked the actual events with surprising accuracy, considering the film claims to be "a true story...mostly." It is certain that a lot of detail had to be fabricated to make a film about events that were largely obliterated from history after they occurred. However, the main ideas presented in the film appear to be historically accurate based on some quick after-viewing research.
Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal) is a "low born" record keeper at a British prison in Agra, India. When it is decided that a gift should be presented to the queen on behalf of India, Karim is chosen due to his height. Abdul travels to England, where he is outfitted in a regal costume and dutifully briefed on the proper etiquette in the presence of the Queen. Breaking with protocol, he steals a glance at Queen Victoria (Judi Dench), before being escorted quickly out of her presence. The queen is enamored by Abdul, promoting him to foot servant, and later teacher. The pair share an unlikely bond that is challenged by Abdul's lack of complete honesty. His presence in the royal court is also a source of consternation, which creates animosity and in-fighting among members of the royal household. The queen seems to take great joy in using her friendship as a wedge to assert her authority. It appears to be the only opportunity she has to make free choices. In some way, we are all servants.
Victoria and Abdul is an excellent historic story to base a film on. I enjoyed the chemistry between Fazal and Dench, who appeared to relish their roles. Even if the acting/writing for Fazal seemed to teeter on the edge of hammy at times. The insight into the pecking order and strict observances of the royal family was interesting, but the story lagged at times. It felt a bit tedious, maybe even forced at times. The film was rich with costumes, with quite a bit of attention to detail. Yet they managed to miss some details. For instance, the staff is shown holding bowls of soup prior to them actually being delivered. Those types of unforced errors always irritate me a bit.
Victoria and Abdul received a PG-13 rating from the MPAA. I'm not certain what warranted that rating, although there was talk about procreation and gonorrhea. The rating seems a bit strict to me. I didn't find the film to be at all objectionable. Just boring at times. I think younger viewers may fail to hold their interest, as I felt distracted at times as well. But this film should be fine for any age group in terms of material.
This film may have some political parallels to the modern era, but it did not feel like they were trying to drum home any message. It simply felt like a period piece that was only recently (2010) brought fully to light. I enjoyed the film, but found the pacing to be uneven at times. There were some continuity issues as well. But the acting was tight, the sets and costumes rich and the story endearing. I enjoyed the film enough to warrant a recommendation, but might suggest that this film will play just as well on the small screen. If you wait to stream it instead of paying full price at the theater, you won't miss anything. 7/10.