The Young Victoria

If you are like me, you know most of your history of British monarchs from the films based on their lives. The Young Victoria is set just prior to Mrs. Brown, and just after The Madness of King George and copies both films' playful marvel at their subjects exalted lives. The wide swath of Victoria's early life on screen, from her tumultuous rise to power and sweet courtship with Albert, with no attempt to inject events with false tension, makes for a languorous viewing experience. It's worth curling up with The Young Victoria for the sumptuous production design and Emily Blunt and Rupert Friend's cute, authentic performances as the hopelessly introverted and intertwined Victoria and Albert. –Hillary Titley