Victoria & Abdul

Victoria & Abdul is a historical drama film released in 2017, directed by Stephen Frears. The movie recounts the extraordinary true story of the unlikely and heartwarming friendship between Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, played by the iconic Judi Dench, and Abdul Karim, a young Indian clerk who becomes her spiritual advisor. As the Queen questions the restrictions of her long-held position, she finds solace and companionship in Abdul, challenging societal norms and royal protocol. Their bond inspires controversy and jealousy within the royal court but also brings a breath of fresh air and enlightenment into Victoria's life, much to the dismay of her inner circle. Victoria & Abdul beautifully portrays the transcendence of friendship beyond boundaries of age, race, and status, offering a poignant and uplifting tale of human connection.

Victoria & Abdul prompted a diverse range of reactions from critics upon its release. While some praised Judi Dench's captivating performance and the film's exploration of the rarely depicted friendship between the Queen and Abdul, others found fault in the romanticized portrayal of their relationship. Rotten Tomatoes gave the movie an approval rating of 66%, noting that "Judi Dench's performance is the main attraction in Victoria & Abdul." On IMDb, the film holds a rating of 6.8/10, with many viewers touched by the emotional depth of the story. Metacritic rated Victoria & Abdul with a score of 58/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Despite some criticisms of historical accuracy, most reviewers agreed that the film succeeds in delivering a touching narrative of unexpected companionship and the resilience of human connection.