The Young VictoriaEmily Blunt rules literally and figuratively in “The Young Victoria.” After all, the main reason to see this biopic is due to the actress’ vibrant performance – a far stretch from the Victoria we’re used to reading about in text books.

Do a simple Google search and you’ll find tons of portraits of a frowning, stern-looking Queen Victoria dressed in a black lace widow’s outfit. “The Young Victoria” shows her in a completely different light. Instead, it opens with her growing up as an over-protected child, leading to her receiving the crown as a teenager.

This focus on her early years as queen is really refreshing but ultimately, it’s Blunt’s playful performance that makes this movie engaging. As a teen, Victoria doesn’t quite understand why she wants to be queen. But she knows from birth that she will carry this “royal burden.” When King William IV (Jim Broadbent) dies, Victoria suddenly realizes what she — or rather her family –have gotten her into.

Instead of the costume melodrama that 19th century biopics usually consist of, “The Young Victoria” features more of the political side of Victoria’s early reign. But of course, there had to be a love story in the midst of that and rest assured it’s front and centre (but only at certain points).

Rupert Friend plays Prince Albert, Victoria’s cousin whom she eventually falls in love with. The catch is that at first, Albert is what you could call an undercover agent for the king of Belgium, a man he calls uncle.

In the beginning, Victoria is trusting of nearly everyone, including the affable Lord Melbourne (Paul Bettany) who becomes her advisor. However, after marrying Albert, Victoria loses most of that trust in those who surround her and as the film progresses, she tries to figure out a balance between independence and manipulation.

French-Canadian director Jean-Marc Vallée (C.R.A.Z.Y.) offers an interesting idea of how even a castle can act as a prison — that’s how Victoria feels at certain points. However, the movie’s main downfall is its pace. When the pace is fast it moves at lightning speed. But when it’s slow, the film just drags on – there’s no happy medium. And unfortunately, even with the focus lying on her tumultuous early years, “The Young Victoria” manages to be somewhat relatable but not that memorable.

andPOP rating - 3 stars






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