Mary Queen of Scots is a historical drama film directed by Josie Rourke and written by Beau Willimon. The film stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, and Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I of England. The movie explores the life of Mary Stuart, who returns to Scotland after the death of her husband, Francis II of France. Upon her arrival, she asserts her claim to the throne of Scotland, which is under the control of her Protestant half-brother James Stewart.
Mary's Catholic faith puts her at odds with her Protestant subjects, and her claim to the English throne makes her a threat to Elizabeth I, who is determined to keep her own power and secure her Protestant legacy. The two women are pitted against each other in a struggle for power that puts their own lives in danger.
The movie, which is based on the life of Mary Stuart and the history of the Tudor era, dramatizes the political and personal conflicts between the two powerful queens, as well as the betrayals, rebellions, and conspiracies that threatened their reigns. Throughout the film, Mary and Elizabeth are shown grappling with the bitter cost of power and making life-altering decisions that will ultimately lead to their tragic fate.
Apart from the lead actors, Mary Queen of Scots also stars Jack Lowden as Lord Darnley, Mary's second husband and the father of her son and heir, and David Tennant as John Knox, a Scottish preacher and religious reformer who opposes Mary's rule. The movie was praised for its strong performances, stunning cinematography, and accurate historical portrayal of the period.