Movies

Anne-Marie Duff’s “heartbreaking” British drama gets new UK streaming home

BBG News

Anne-Marie Duff’s “heartbreaking” British drama has found a new streaming home on BBC iPlayer.

In the captivating film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s “On Chesil Beach,” I found myself immersed in the story of Florence and Edward, played by Saoirse Ronan and Billy Howle respectively. This poignant tale is set in the 1960s, where our young couple embarks on a journey together, only to be torn apart following a disastrous wedding night that unearths deep-rooted traumas. Remarkably, their lives remain intertwined for years to come.

On our unforgettable wedding day at the beach, a life-altering choice made by either of us sets us on a course neither of us could have foreseen, shaping our destinies for all time.

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On Chesil Beach presents a compelling, thought-provoking tale of two individuals, shaped significantly by their past, navigating the constraints of an earlier time’s societal norms.

The screenplay was penned by McEwen as well, marking the first time Director Dominic Cooke, famous for his work at the Royal National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company, takes the helm of a feature film.

In this production, Duff portrays Marjorie, Edward’s mom, while Adrian Scarborough takes on the role of his dad, Lionel. The ensemble additionally features Emily Watson as Violet, Florence’s mother, and Samuel West as her father, Geoffrey.

The movie garnered high acclaim for its moving narrative. Variety referred to it as a “subtle exploration of repressed passion, both funny, tender, and devastating,” while the LA Times termed it as “an incredibly poignant story superbly rendered through exceptional writing, direction, and performances.

Other reviews were mixed, however, with the film gaining a 67% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, these two characters truly love each other, yet Florence strongly dislikes the material world. The director provides a convincing reason for this aversion, only to subsequently overlook the elephant in the room that he has deliberately brought into focus.

In summary, “On Chesil Beach” is an effective demonstration of sorrow, and it’s unlikely that no one will be affected by it. However, it may not fully satisfy everyone.

On Chesil Beach is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.

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2025-06-03 14:51

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