Bob Dunkirk

There aren’t any new films opening in wide release this week, but we do have one hotly anticipated limited release that is generating a lot of awards chatter. Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie co-star in this period historical drama about Mary Stuart (Ronan), Queen of France and heir to the Scottish throne, who challenged English Queen Elizabeth I’s (Robbie) claim over Scotland. Expectations were high for the film, with a spotlight aimed squarely at its two celebrated young stars and accomplished theater director Josie Rourke at the helm, and while critics concede it isn’t quite as captivating as some had hoped, it still looks spectacular and succeeds as a showcase for Ronan and Robbie’s considerable talents. Mary Queen of Scots may not serve up the most explosive political thrills, but it’s a smart, brilliantly acted slice of history with themes that should still ring true to contemporary audiences.