Focus Features has released an official trailer for Mary Queen of Scots, an upcoming historical drama starring Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie.

The movie is directed by Josie Rourke, who is making her feature directorial debut. It follows the rivalry and power struggle between cousins Mary Stuart and Queen Elizabeth I in the 16th century.

You can read a full synopsis for Mary Queen of Scots and check out the trailer along with a pair of posters for the two main characters below.

SYNOPSIS:

“Mary Queen of Scots” explores the turbulent life of the charismatic Mary Stuart (Ronan). Queen of France at 16 and widowed at 18, Mary defies pressure to remarry. Instead, she returns to her native Scotland to reclaim her rightful throne. But Scotland and England fall under the rule of the compelling Elizabeth I (Robbie).

Each young Queen beholds her “sister” in fear and fascination. Rivals in power and in love, and female regents in a masculine world, the two must decide how to play the game of marriage versus independence.

Determined to rule as much more than a figurehead, Mary asserts her claim to the English throne, threatening Elizabeth’s sovereignty.

Betrayal, rebellion, and conspiracies within each court imperil both thrones – and change the course of history.

While Rourke is making her feature film debut, she is an experienced theatre director. Her stage credits include a 2011 production of Much Ado About Nothing starring David Tennant and Catherine Tate, and last year’s Saint Joan starring Gemma Arterton.

The screenplay was penned by The Ides of March writer and House of Cards creator and writer Beau Willimon, based on the book My Heart is My Own: the Life of Mary Queen of Scots by author John Guy.

Mary Queen of Scots will be released on December 7th.

Trailer

A friendship that became a rivalry. A rivalry that became a war. Watch Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie in the new trailer for Mary Queen of Scots.

Posters

Saoirse Ronan is Mary. @MargotRobbie is Elizabeth. #MaryQueenofScots trailer TOMORROW. pic.twitter.com/BiCzNi7ten

— Mary Queen of Scots (@MaryQueenMovie) July 11, 2018

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