I saw this back in October at a film festival. Here are my thoughts. I do skirt around actually saying what happens. But if you don't want even an idea of anything that happens in the movie, I'd avoid the spoilers.
This is a very beautiful film. The performances are all strong, but Andrew Scott and Claire Foy are the standouts. I'm going to be very sad when neither is nominated for an Oscar. It will also be tragic if it's not nominated for Best Cinematography. It's been about a week since I've seen it, and I'm still not sure how I feel about
the film's final reveal. When it happened in the film, I was really upset with it. It didn't seem necessary. The film already had a lovely and very effective emotional payoff. Maybe I should have seen it coming. There's a very misleading quote in the trailer that says the film breaks your heart and then puts it back together again. No. It broke my heart, and then stomped on it. I think this quote is why I didn't see it coming and expected a different outcome.
This being said, the final shot of the film is stunning. It has haunted me ever since. The music choice is perfect. I don't know where "The Power of Love" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood has been my whole life, but it's an amazing song.
I am very excited that I'll get the chance to see it again soon now that it's officially released.
Maybe another viewing will help me come around to the ending. I know this is based on a book, but I think it would have been better if that was left out. We still could have had the gorgeous final shot, just under different circumstances.
The ending is my only issue with it.
As of now, it's my favorite film of the year.
A
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