Opened: December 25, 2002

Directed by: Stephen Daldry

Starring: Nicole Kidman, Stephen Dillane, Miranda Richardson, Lyndsey Marshal, Linda Bassett, Christian Coulson, Julianne Moore, John C. Reilly, Jack Rovello, Toni Collette, Margo Martindale, Meryl Streep, Ed Harris, Allison Janney, Claire Danes, Jeff Daniels & Eileen Atkins

The Hours is hands-down one of the best films ever made with its dynamic script and performances.

In 1923, Virginia Woolf (Nicole Kidman) is writing Mrs Dalloway while dealing with depression. In 1951, Laura Brown (Julianne Moore) is reading the novel while contemplating suicide. And in 2001, Clarissa Vaughan (Meryl Streep) shares the main character’s name as her friend Richard (Ed Harris) refers to her as Mrs. Dalloway.

The film covers mental illness and highlights LGBTQIA+ characters. Harris’ Richard is suffering from AIDS and while he and Clarissa have both had long-standing relationships with same-sex partners, they share a love for each other that can’t be replaced.

Editing the three stories together to run cohesively is a feat in itself. You never feel like you’re jumping around even though the time periods are very distinct.

Final say: Brilliant. ★★★★★