Film Review: Victoria and Abdul – Guildford Odeon

Published on: 28 Sep, 2017
Updated on: 28 Sep, 2017

By Dennis Harvey-Hepherd

Judy Dench makes a triumphant return to her portrayal of Queen Victoria (see Mr and Mrs Brown) as she approaches the end of her life. Dressed in perpetual mourning for Prince Albert, and perhaps also the loss of John Brown, her life is less than stimulating. The arrival of an Indian servant, Abdul Karim, at court triggers this story.

Based on a true story (almost) and the recently discovered journal of Abdul, the director Stephen Frears and Dame Judy give us a delightful and yet sad story of love, intrigue and betrayal. There are several laugh out loud scenes, many based on the Queen’s sharp tongue.

Filmed with great attention to detail and in beautiful surroundings this is also a delight for the eye.

A special mention for Eddie Izzard, as Bertie, Prince of Wales. He is totally convincing in this supporting role and I hope he is recognised for it at the BAFTAs.
I did feel that some of the supporting characters were rather cartoonish or stereotypical flunkies.

For that reason, I give 4 out of five stars to Victoria and Abdul.