Mary Queen of Scots

Mary Queen of Scots

Bow to No One

Directed by Josie Rourke

Produced by Focus Features, Working Title Films

2018124 min6.5 / 10

A tragic historical drama about two queens locked in a power struggle that destroys them both, steeped in betrayal, paranoia, and the melancholic cost of ambition.

In 1561, Mary Stuart, widow of the King of France, returns to Scotland, reclaims her rightful throne and menaces the future of Queen Elizabeth I as ruler of England, because she has a legitimate claim to the English throne. Betrayals, rebellions, conspiracies and their own life choices imperil both Queens. They experience the bitter cost of power, until their tragic fate is finally fulfilled.

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Questions people ask

  • Is Mary Queen of Scots sad? Yes, very. More sad than 96% of films.

  • Does Mary Queen of Scots end with hope? Barely. Less hopeful than 80% of films.

  • Is Mary Queen of Scots scary? Somewhat. More frightening than 72% of films.

  • Is Mary Queen of Scots easy watching? Not especially. Less comforting than 61% of films.

  • Is Mary Queen of Scots violent? Somewhat. More violent than 59% of films.

These describe how the film comes across, measured across the whole film and compared with other well-known films. They are not a content list — nothing here was counted or checked scene by scene, so for age-suitability or specific content use a classification board or a dedicated content-warning service.

Written about

36/ 100

Cinnamon Score

How much this film gives you that nothing else will, and whether it delivers.

You have seen this shape before.

Rarity67

How unlike any other film this one feels

Surprise10

How much more it delivers than it promises

Love45

How much audiences actually like it

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Ensemble

Everything like Mary Queen of Scots, and what each one shares →

Like Mary Queen of Scots

Nearest across the full emotional profile.

Same Mood as Mary Queen of Scots

Nearest on what's most distinctive about this one.

Like Mary Queen of Scots, But Darker

Similar, pushed toward heavier and more intense.

Like Mary Queen of Scots, But Lighter

Similar, pushed toward warmer and easier.

Like Mary Queen of Scots, But Less Popular

Same territory, far fewer people have seen it.

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