1. A Monarch Struggling with Grief and Crisis: The film captures the emotional turmoil and personal grief experienced by the Queen in the aftermath of Diana's death. She is shown wrestling with her internal feelings while trying to maintain a composed and stoic public persona.
2. Conflicted Duty vs. Human Emotion: The film portrays Queen Elizabeth as torn between her duties as a constitutional monarch and her personal emotions. She grapples with balancing the public's expectations of the monarchy with her desire to protect her family and express her own feelings.
3. Resistance to Change: The Queen is initially resistant to change and prefers to follow traditional protocols. She struggles to adapt to the evolving public sentiment and the modern media landscape.
4. Influence Behind Closed Doors: Despite the seemingly powerless role of a constitutional monarch, the film portrays Queen Elizabeth as still wielding influence behind the scenes. She engages in private conversations and consultations, subtly shaping decisions.
5. Vulnerability and Wisdom: As the film progresses, the Queen's façade of stoicism gradually crumbles, revealing her vulnerabilities. She demonstrates wisdom and understanding, acknowledging the need to adapt to societal changes and public expectations.
6. Learning from Tony Blair: The relationship between the Queen and Prime Minister Tony Blair is a central aspect of the film. Initially, they have differing approaches to handling the crisis, but over time, the Queen comes to respect and learn from Blair's insights into public opinion.
7. Emotional Growth: By the end of the film, Queen Elizabeth has undergone significant emotional growth. She evolves from a monarch entrenched in tradition to someone willing to embrace change, albeit with caution.
Overall, the portrayal of Queen Elizabeth in "The Queen" highlights her as a complex individual caught in a historical moment of crisis, balancing personal grief, duty, tradition, and the evolving expectations of the monarchy.