The Young Victoria

Emily Blunt gives a dazzling portrayal of a young Queen Victoria in her latest film...

By Anneke Hak

Starring: Emily Blunt, Rupert Friend, Paul Bettany, Jim Broadbent, Miranda Richardson, Mark Strong

In cinemas: 6 March

What’s the story? As a young child Princess Victoria finds herself in the middle of a royal power struggle. Her uncle, King William, is dying and Victoria is next in line for the throne. Victoria must navigate the pressures of being heir to the throne, then the Queen of England. Along the way she finds a romantic courtship and marriage in the form of Prince Albert, who is also in the middle of a war of ideologies.

Who’s in it?  Emily Blunt gives a glorious performance as the young Victoria, filling the role with emotion and passion. While Rupert Friend does a good job distracting our attention from the fact that he’s Keira Knightley’s boyfriend, but still left a lot to be desired.

What’s to like? Packed with action, romance and politics The Young Victoria is a fascinating documentation of what life was like for the young princess. If you enjoy historical dramas or are a Pride And Prejudice or The Duchess fan, you’ll love this.  And if you do find the plot boring you, the costumes definitely won’t. They’re gorgeous!

What’s not to like?
Rupert Friend still reminds us of a wet fish, even though he tries his best.

Best bit?
Victoria coming into her own and telling her mother where to go.

Verdict?
Spend Valentine’s Day honouring a real life love story or put it next to the BBC’s Pride And Prejudice in your must-have DVD collection.