MOVIE REVIEW: "Benediction" Swims Through Memory Like Poetry
10/12 ForReel Score | 4/5 Stars
Once again, acclaimed writer/director Terence Davies takes a story of the past and consciously portrays it with just as much meaning to modern audiences as it did decades ago. Benediction recounts the life of the poet Siegfried Sassoon. Set between the late Victorian era and into the 1960s, actors Jack Lowden (Dunkirk) and Peter Capaldi (Paddington 2) take the incredible feat of bringing Sassoon and his poetry to life. The film captures emotion in its most raw and captivating form; Benediction is a cleansing of the soul.
Sassoon was once a decorated soldier, but some time into the first world war, he could no longer turn a blind eye in face of such casualties and refused to return to the front lines. The British government demonized Sassoon for questioning his superiors with such offense, sending him off to Craiglockhart War Hospital in Scotland to deal with what they diagnosed as a “psychotic break”. He discloses his homosexuality to a therapist, Dr. Rivers (Ben Daniels, Beautiful Thing), who responds kindly, then befriends another soldier/poet, Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson, Making Noise Quietly). It is then when Sassoon’s life truly begins as his sexual exploration blossoms like a lily in spring.
It is enchanting how Davies is able to capture truth so elegantly. He reconnects to his roots, following the mixed bag that is A Quiet Passion, with a major focus on coping with one’s inner turmoil. Understands the beauty that can be found in darkness, Davies is able to take unexplainable emotions and present them with a visceral understanding. The restraint he implores on his actors releases captivating sentiments. The film drags at times, but by no means does it ever take away from the artistry on display.
Jack Lowden is delicate as young Siegfried. He has a loving openness about him that seems to stem from the pain of witnessing the loss of so many lives. Sassoon desires deeply to be loved and cherish life. With only slight glances and long pauses, Lowden captures the character's trauma and the way it holds him back from accepting the adornment he deserves. The audience can taste his longing. Sassoon believes Owen was a better writer than him, a better lover, and he should have been the one to survive the war. It is that hate for himself that makes him fall for men who treat him so dreadfully. These men mask their fear with banter and sharp remarks. They act as predators, cannibalizing each other, in order to not fall victim to heartbreak. These experiences push Sassoon away from true self acceptance.
At times, the narrative may seem disjointed, but that is how a broken mind connects to the past, which is masterfully edited by the talented Alex Mackie’s (Out of Blue). She focuses on the haze, allowing the memories to dissolve into one another. When showcasing the poetry, Mackie doesn’t feel the need to display text on screen. She let his poetry, supported by Lowden’s soothing voice and the archival war footage, take force and make its own impact. Magnificently pairing her work with Director of Photography Nicola Daley (Gentleman Jack), they paint the visual definition of breathtaking. Daley approaches with a distinctive visual language. Her talent shines, focusing on the power of a moment. One scene in particular, with the help of motion control, Siegfried ages from Lowden to Capaldi. It’s powerful enough to suck the air out of your lungs.
Supported by intelligent performances, inventive directions, fluid editing, and Siegfried Sassoon’s visceral poetry, Benediction captures the sensation of fading through memories and poetry. Mistreated by the government, society, lovers, but ultimately men, a delightful young man progresses into someone who is so hateful and demeaning. It is painstaking to see Sassoon unable to process his trauma and forced into conformity. It is something we may like to tell ourselves is a thing of the past, but so many queer people, queer children, are forced to suffer in silence. Benediction entails the agony of going against who you are meant and inspires audiences to live with pride.
Acting and Casting - 2 | Visual Effects and Editing - 2 | Story and Message - 2 | Entertainment Value - 1 | Music Score and Soundtrack - 1 | Reviewer's Preference -2 | What does this mean?