Drama,History,War
United Kingdom
Benediction is a biographical drama film directed by Terence Davies. The film portrays the life of Siegfried Sassoon, a soldier and poet who was decorated for bravery on the Western Front during World War I. The film explores Siegfried's experiences during the war, his disillusionment with the war effort, and his eventual decision to speak out against it.
The film also delves into Siegfried's personal life, including his relationships with fellow poet Wilfred Owen and his conflicted feelings surrounding his homosexuality. The film showcases Siegfried's struggles with mental health and his decision to seek treatment for his PTSD, which was then known as shell shock.
Benediction stars Jack Lowden as Siegfried Sassoon, alongside Peter Capaldi as Siegfried's doctor and friend, and Gemma Jones as Siegfried's mother. The film highlights Siegfried's evolution as a writer, from his early patriotic poems to his later anti-war poetry, which challenged the conventional narratives of the war.
Throughout the film, Davies uses flashbacks and dream sequences to explore the inner life of Siegfried and create a visceral and emotive portrayal of the soldier-poet's experiences. Benediction is a poignant and moving tribute to the life and work of Siegfried Sassoon, a man who deeply impacted the literary and cultural landscape of the 20th century.
