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Mary Queen of Scots (2018 film)

Mary Queen of Scots is a 2018 historical drama film directed by Josie Rourke in her feature directorial debut.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mary Queen of Scots is a 2018 historical drama film directed by Josie Rourke in her feature directorial debut. Written by Beau Willimon and based on John Guy’s biography, it stars Saoirse Ronan as Mary, Queen of Scots and Margot Robbie as Elizabeth I. The film follows Mary Stuart’s return to Scotland and her conflict with Elizabeth over monarchy, legitimacy, and power.

Plot

The film dramatizes Mary Stuart’s return to Scotland after being widowed in France and her effort to reclaim her throne. It also shows her rivalry with Elizabeth I and the political pressures surrounding succession, religion, and legitimacy.

Production

The film was directed by theatre director Josie Rourke, marking her first feature film. Beau Willimon wrote the screenplay, adapting John Guy’s biography of Mary Stuart.

Cast

Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie headline the film as Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I. The supporting cast includes Jack Lowden, Joe Alwyn, David Tennant, and Guy Pearce.

Release

Mary Queen of Scots was released in 2018 and runs 124 minutes. It was distributed in the United States by Focus Features.

Key facts

  • Josie Rourke made her feature film directing debut with the film.
  • Saoirse Ronan plays Mary, Queen of Scots, and Margot Robbie plays Elizabeth I.
  • The screenplay is by Beau Willimon and is based on John Guy’s biography of Mary Stuart.
  • The film was released in 2018 and is a historical drama.
  • It depicts the political and personal rivalry between Mary and Elizabeth I.
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Canadian context

The film was released commercially in Canada and is available to Canadian viewers through major streaming and film distribution platforms, making it relevant to Canadian audiences interested in historical dramas and British history.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mary Queen of Scots about?
It follows Mary Stuart’s return to Scotland and her rivalry with Elizabeth I over power, succession, and political legitimacy.
Who directed Mary Queen of Scots?
The film was directed by Josie Rourke.
Who plays Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I?
Saoirse Ronan plays Mary, Queen of Scots, and Margot Robbie plays Elizabeth I.
What is the film based on?
It is based on John Guy’s 2004 biography Queen of Scots: The True Life of Mary Stuart.
When was the film released?
It was released in 2018.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mary_Queen_of_Scots_(2018_film)
    Supports: Director, screenplay, cast, and source biography
  2. Focus Features — https://www.focusfeatures.com/mary-queen-of-scots
    Supports: Official synopsis, cast, director, writer, runtime, and release information
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mary_queen_of_scots
    Supports: Genre, director, runtime, distributor, and release details
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2328900/
    Supports: Runtime and plot summary
  5. BBC Culture — https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20181204-film-review-mary-queen-of-scots
    Supports: Historical setting and relationship between Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I