‘Unspeakably brilliant’ war film based on true story streaming now on BBC | Films | Entertainment

Directed and written by a filmmaker considered one of Britain’s most accomplished auteurs of his generation, this 2021 film marked Terence Davies’ final work of brilliance.

The biographical romantic drama, Benediction, features Jack Lowden and Peter Capaldi in the lead roles as war poet Siegfried Sassoon, with supporting performances from Simon Russell Beale, Kate Phillips, Gemma Jones, Jeremy Irvine, and Ben Daniels, forming a remarkable ensemble cast.

The film follows the story of Siegfried Sassoon, a British poet and decorated World War I combat veteran who was sent to a psychiatric facility for his outspoken anti-war stance.

This biographical piece explores his romantic relationships with several men during the 1920s, his marriage and fatherhood, as well as his eventual conversion to Catholicism.

In September 2021, Benediction had its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival as a Special Presentation.

With an outstanding, near-perfect 92 per cent critics approval rating on review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, the biographical drama received glowing reviews from critics.

One fan said: “Benediction is achingly sad but poignant – like all great art it elicits empathy for the subject and the many, many young men who were lost due to wars out of their control; whether those be on a battlefield or in their personal lives.”

Another reviewer added: “Ethereal, profound and enthralling – Terence Davies’ Benediction is magnificent in every single way.”

A further fan championed the biographical drama, noting: “A great subject, a well-written, unspeakably brilliant cinematic drama and an extremely literate, lyrical and spiritual masterpiece.”

An fourth wrote: “This is a sumptuous, multi-layered, and tender piece of filmmaking from British director Terence Davies. Benediction is as beautifully rendered as the prose penned by its subject.”

Another viewer, celebrating Davies’s direction alongside the cast’s portrayals, said: “Transcendent performances and visionary direction make for a numinous final film by Terence Davies.”

One admirer of the production contributed to the review aggregator platform, added: “This is one of the most beautiful stories I’ve watched and listened to.

“The film shares much more than could be reasonably expected and imparts a depth of humanity often missing from the lives of the people who pass through not only this man’s life but fleetingly through our own.”

Another audience member wrote: “Superb, cinema at its best, absolutely loved this film from beginning to end. It was a joy to watch but also so heartfelt, you really got a sense of the characters and the acting was marvellous.

“Quite a masterpiece. Every nuance and aspect of this magnificent film is considered and timely. An understanding, thoughtfulness, honesty, and production that captures a number of philosophies beautifully,” added one captivated viewer.

Benediction is streaming on BBC iPlayer now.