Sulphur and White is a 2019 British drama film directed by Julian Jarrold and written by Susie Farrell. The film is based on the true story of David Tait, who is portrayed by Mark Stanley in the film. Joanna Vanderham plays Vanessa, a woman who helps David confront his past and break free from the hold it has on him.
The film explores the themes of trauma, healing, and redemption, as David tries to come to terms with the abuse he suffered as a child and how it has impacted his adult life. His work as a trader provides him with a sense of control and purpose, but it also serves as a way to bury his pain and avoid confronting his past.
Flashbacks to David's childhood in South Africa are interspersed throughout the film, depicting the physical and sexual abuse he suffered at the hands of his father, played by Dougray Scott, and the emotional neglect he experienced from his mother, played by Anna Friel. The scenes are gut-wrenching and difficult to watch, but they are necessary to understand the depth of David's trauma and the barriers he must overcome to move forward.
The film also explores the impact of privilege and class on David's life. Despite his traumatic upbringing, David is able to attend elite schools and enter the world of finance, which allows him to distance himself from his past but also perpetuates a cycle of privilege and power.
Sulphur and White is a powerful and emotional film that offers a nuanced portrayal of trauma and its long-lasting effects. The performances by the cast are superb, particularly Mark Stanley in the lead role, and the cinematography captures both the beauty and brutality of London and South Africa. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.