A vulnerable friendship in “Victoria & Abdul”

By GalaTView Staff

Photos Courtesy

From director Stephen Frears (“The Queen,” “Philomena,” “Mrs. Henderson Presents”) the extraordinary true story of an unexpected friendship in the later years of Queen Victoria’s (Academy Award winner Judi Dench) remarkable rule. When Abdul Karim (Ali Fazal), a young clerk, travels from India to participate in the Queen’s Golden Jubilee, he is surprised to find favor with the Queen herself. As the Queen questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge an unlikely and devoted alliance with a loyalty to one another that her household and inner circle all attempt to destroy. As the friendship deepens, the Queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes and joyfully reclaims her humanity.

With a well structured cast Judi Dench, Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar, Tim Pigott-Smith, Olivia Williams, Fenella Woolgar, Paul Higgins, Robin Soans, Julian Wadham, Simon Callow, and Michael Gambon. The interaction of the British royalty regarding the people of India and how Victoria ruled them was so interesting. The spectator will be looking for a dive into the heart and soul of the characters  especially for their dynamic personality. Despite the exotic homeland of India, this particular queen formed a motherly attachment to Abdul. A real, beloved and trusted friendship no matter religion, social class and age because wisdom and confidence is the best part for this great couple of characters.