Benediction

Revered British director and filmmaker Terence Davies turns his attentions to World War I, homosexuality, love, loss and poetry in his latest feature, Benediction. In cinemas now, the war drama explores the complex portrait of Siegfried Sassoon, a decorated hero who denounced the war effort and became one of the most legendary poets of the 20th Century. 

We first are introduced to Sassoon (Jack Lowden) in 1914 when he and his brother are getting fitted for battle. Moments later, his mother (Geraldine James), meets an injured Sassoon, who suffers from an affliction known as “nervous disease”. In actuality, Sassoon protested the futile loss of life in his controversial statement: 

‘I am making this statement as an act of wilful defiance of military authority because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.’ 

Avoiding a court-martial, Sassoon was sent to a Scottish war hospital where he was officially diagnosed with shell shock. From here, he explored his sexuality by first confiding in a discreet doctor and then Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson), who inspired his poetry. The pair grew close at the hospital and were sent back to the Front where Owen was killed just before the Armistice was declared.  

From there, Sassoon becomes a popular figure among the upper echelons of society and becomes consumed by a circle of toxic, fickle and vapid gay men. Jeremy Irvine plays the Ivor Novello – a famed composer, actor and matinee idol – who chewed and spat Sassoon out. Calam Lynch plays the flamboyant socialite Stephen Tennant. Rounding out the glamorous circle is Glen Byam Shaw, played by Tom Blyth. Throughout this interwar period, Sassoon struggles with his sexuality, ultimately converting to Catholicism and conforming with marriage to Hester Gatty (Kate Phillips). 

Benediction positions itself as an ambitious and expansive biopic but lacks the bells and whistles to lure viewers. In place of complex cinematography and battle scenes are archival footage of soldiers in trenches, marching and decaying and dying in battle. This footage, interspersed with Sassoon’s beautiful poetry illustrating his experiences during the war, conjures a sobering and intimate picture of the battlefront and all the horrors that accompany it.

Featuring an all-star class, Jack Lowden shines in his honest and fascinating portrayal of the poet. Peter Capaldi and Gemma Jones are captivating to watch as the older Sassoon and Gatty, who are plagued by their choices. Tennyson, Lynch and Irvine deliver fine performances. 

As a whole, Benediction is an easy watch with clever and rich dialogue. While not the usual war drama, it focuses on the loves of Sassoon’s life. Unfortunately, it didn’t have the gusto and pace to grab me. 

Benediction
In cinemas now
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