The Queen

Writer Peter Morgan and director Stephen Frears recreate the reaction of the British Royal Family and Her Majesty’s Government, especially Elizabeth II (Helen Mirren) and Tony Blair (Michael Sheen), to the worldwide grief at the death of Princess Diana. God only knows how much of the behind-the-scenes stuff is true, but it has the clarion ring of truth from first frame to last, and Frears’ eye for the telling detail has never been sharper. Mirren’s masterful performance transcends surface impersonation (she looks not at all like Elizabeth) to convey a sense that, yes, this must be what she’s like. No surprise there, of course, but there are some unexpected touches: Prince Charles (Alex Jennings) comes off as sensitive and sympathetic, while Blair’s wife (Helen McCrory) appears a bit of a nasty shrew.