The first trailer for upcoming lesbian royal drama The Favourite has been released.

Set in the early 18th century as England and France are at war, the film follows the life of ailing UK royal Queen Anne (Olivia Colman) and her closest friend Lady Sarah (Rachel Weisz) who governs the country in her stead.

But the arrival of Sarah’s cousin Abigail Masham (Emma Stone), who’s fallen on hard times, promises chaos in the monarchy as the two women begin to fight for their place as Queen Anne’s right-hand woman and companion.

Following it’s premiere at the Venice Film Festival last month, the film received critical acclaim, and many reviewers highlighted the on-screen romance between Queen Anne and Abigail. Speculation over the former monarch’s sexuality has been rife for decades.

Speaking about the movie’s intimate moments at the film festival, legendary actress Olivia said: “It’s as though we think we invented sex, but we didn’t, it’s been going on for quite a long time… And it was awfully fun having sex with Emma Stone.”

“It was really fun having sex with you too,” replied Oscar-winner Emma, according to Reuters.

It’s the second time Rachel Weisz has starred in a same-sex love story this year, as she recently starred in Disobedience, a movie about a forbidden romance between two Jewish women played by Olivia and Rachel McAdams.

Watch the trailer for The Favourite below.

The Favourite is scheduled for release in UK cinemas on 1 January, 2019.

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