Haley Bennett (Cyrano) shines as the independent-minded Katharine Hilbery in Tina Gharavi‘s adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day, the opening night film at the second edition of SXSW London. In 1910 London, Katharine is a passionate astronomer who must defy both her family’s and society’s expectations to pursue her desired career. That means trying to avoid romance and marriage, even when her father (Timothy Spall) pressures her into an unwanted engagement with a family friend, William (Jack Whitehall).
Despite her independence being threatened, Katharine is determined to forge her own path in life. She soon befriends suffragette Mary (Lily Allen) and crosses paths with an editor (Elyas M’Barek) assisting her mother (Jennifer Saunders) with a biography, leading her to question everything she knows.
While Bennett is the definitive star of the film, there are strong performances all around that build off of Justine Waddell‘s well-written script, an adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s lesser-known novel. The screenplay features several witty, humorous moments that are timed perfectly—some adlibbing apparently, according to a post-screening Q&A. There are also some powerful feminist moments, especially toward the climax of the film, such as when Katharine is fighting for the publishing of her mother’s book and her own right to be included in society—something that sadly still resonates today.
While the screenplay and performances are both solid, the few problems with the film lie in some of the artistic choices. Namely, Gharavi uses a few too many extreme close-up shots throughout the 95-minute runtime. It’s not necessarily a make-or-break for the film, but it is somewhat distracting and doesn’t allow the audience to fully appreciate the Edwardian world that has been created.
Also distracting is Allen when she’s on screen. There’s one scene in particular when this is intentional, and it’s fitting—quite funny even. But in every other scene where she appears, she sticks out because her make-up, hair, and costume aren’t period-appropriate like everyone else. It’s unfortunate because it draws audiences away from what would otherwise be powerful moments in the film and because the rest of the costuming really is beautiful and faithful to the era.
Despite these minor faults, Virginia Woolf’s Night and Day is overall a very enjoyable film, if not even a little bit inspirational. Audiences will surely resonate with the themes of desire for personal freedom and diverting from societal expectations. This film is a solid period dramedy that certainly deserves a watch.
★★★★
In UK and Irish cinemas from June 19th / Haley Bennett, Jack Whitehall, Jennifer Saunders, Timothy Spall, Lily Allen / Dir: Tina Gharavi / Vue Lumière / 12A
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