BENEDICTION

In 1917, English war poet Siegfried Sassoon’s attempt at a conscientious objection leads him to being committed to a military sanatorium to recover from a more socially-acceptable ‘nervous breakdown’. During this time he meets and mentors fellow poet and soldier Wilfred Owen, and a meaningful, tender relationship develops. In his beautiful, richly detailed film, Terence Davies delves into the significant moments of Sassoon’s life, exploring the poet’s post-war trauma, stifled sexuality and desire for redemption. Threaded with astute humour, Benediction is powered by a captivating performance from Jack Lowden as Sassoon, a haunting Peter Capaldi as an older Sassoon, and a scene-stealing Jeremy Irvine as a deliciously waspish Ivor Novello.

Currently available to watch on BFIPlayer

Press and media coverage (follow the links below):

• Roger Ebert Interview with Terence Davies (2 June 2022)
• The Guardian: Mark Kermode's FIlm of the Week (22 May 2022)
  
• The Guardian: Interview with Terence Davies by Ryan Gilbey (20 May 2022)
  
• The Guardian review by Peter Bradshaw
• The New Yorker review by Richard Brody
• The Los Angeles Times review by Justin Chang
• Mark Kermode's review for Kerode and Mayo's Take
• The Wrap review by Alonso Duranlde
• Bright Lights FIlm Journal: James Slaymaker: Memory, Trauma, and Visualising Poetry (15 January 2023)
• The FIlm Comment Podcast interview by Devika Girish (14 September 2021)
  
• The New Yorker: Alan Brody - Best Movies of 2022