Benediction Film Review: A Radiant and Powerful Story
Terence Davies, a renowned writer-director whose passing last year left a void in the UK film industry, has once again delivered a captivating biopic with “Benediction.” Unlike traditional biopics that aim to educate, Davies uses this genre as a platform to showcase the extraordinary talent of actors. Just as Cynthia Nixon shined in his Emily Dickinson biopic “A Quiet Passion,” Jack Lowden delivers a stellar performance as British First World War poet Siegfried Sassoon in “Benediction.”
Sassoon, a gay WWI poet, is the central focus of the film. While the movie primarily explores this aspect of his life, it is the inner grace and depth of Lowden’s portrayal that truly captivates the audience. The film’s deliberate pacing and poetic dialogue, complemented by Nicola Daley’s stunning cinematography, create a mesmerizing experience for viewers.
One of Davies’s notable strengths is his ability to seamlessly integrate poetry into his films, providing unique interpretations that feel organic and meaningful. “Benediction” also features Wilfred Owen, another prominent WWI poet, portrayed by Matthew Tennyson. While Owen’s tragic fate is briefly touched upon, the film primarily delves into Sassoon’s post-war struggles and his evolution as a poet.
The narrative unfolds with Siegfried and his brother eagerly enlisting in the war, only to face the harsh realities of battle. Through haunting archival footage and intense performances, the film portrays the devastating impact of the war on Sassoon and his journey towards conscientious objection. Ben Daniels delivers a poignant performance as Dr. Rivers, offering a sense of warmth and understanding in the therapy sessions with Sassoon.
As the story progresses, Sassoon’s post-war life is explored, showcasing his rise to fame as a poet and his relationships within the gay artist community. Jeremy Irvine’s portrayal of Ivor Novello adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the complexities of Sassoon’s personal life and artistic endeavors. The film skillfully weaves together themes of love, betrayal, and trauma, culminating in a poignant exploration of Sassoon’s legacy.
In the final act of the film, as Sassoon reflects on his life and legacy, the audience is confronted with the harsh realities of war and the toll it takes on individuals. The film’s poignant conclusion, featuring Wilfred Owen’s poem “Disabled,” encapsulates the themes of loss and sacrifice that permeate the story.
Overall, “Benediction” is a radiant and powerful film that delves into the complexities of war, poetry, and personal identity. Through Jack Lowden’s remarkable performance and Terence Davies’s masterful direction, the film offers a compelling portrait of Siegfried Sassoon and his enduring legacy as a poet and a man.
Subheadings:
1. A Captivating Portrayal of Siegfried Sassoon
2. The Impact of War and Trauma
3. Legacy and Reflections: The Power of Poetry in “Benediction”