The first teaser has dropped for The Favourite, an 18th century-set drama. It focuses on the behind-the-scenes politics between two cousins (Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz) jockeying to be court favorites during the reign of Queen Anne (Olivia Colman).

While this sounds in synopsis like it could make the basis for a standard royal drama, the film is directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the idiosyncratic Greek filmmaker whose dark films The Lobster and The Killing of a Sacred Deer were filled with jet-black humour.

The slap-stick heavy trailer below is laugh-out loud funny ("you look like a badger") but also disturbing, suggesting The Favourite will analyse the lengths people will go to for entertainment when wealth or reputation is not an issue.

Meanwhile, it's been fantastic to see Lanthimos move from his low-budget origins (Dogtooth, Alps) to more lavish productions. His last film The Killing of a Sacred Deer looked gorgeous but the period decor and lighting we've seen of The Favourite so far could be even better.

The film will be released in Ireland January 1, 2019.