A shaky start can’t stop this film from being beautifully emotional, empowering and depressing.
The inspiring true love story of Robin and Diana Cavendish, an adventurous couple who refuse to give up in the face of a devastating disease. Their heartwarming celebration of human possibility marks the directorial debut of Andy Serkis.
The start of the film is abysmal, it jumps scene-scene, year-year with no regard for transitions or development. This means the first 20 minutes leave you with empty shells of people, devoid of human qualities. However, the film quickly gains momentum and becomes a beautiful, heartbreaking piece of cinema. Andrew Garfield is exceptional, yet Clair Foy shines brightest. Tom Hollander plays twins remarkable, although the CGI is often ineffective and the two don’t appear to be in the same room. Stephen Mangan and Hugh Bonneville nicely round out the supporting cast.
Obviously the initial scenes had major problems structurally, but the script miraculously saves it self and becomes a very well written film. The characters round out expertly and you become emotionally invested. Serkis direction is solid, he clearly has an eye for landscapes, but some of his pull-focus shots seemed gratuitous.
Overall a powerful, emotional film that takes time to warm up.
4 Stars
Review by Benjamin Maio Mackay
Screening courtesy of Picture This Entertainment!