Opened: July 25, 2008

Directed by: Julian Jarrold

Starring: Matthew Goode, Ben Whishaw, Hayley Atwell, Emma Thompson, Michael Gambon, Geta Scacchi, Anna Madeley, Patrick Malahide, Felicity Jones, Ed Stoppard, Jonathan Cake, Joseph Beattie, James Bradshaw, Susan Brown & Tom Wlaschiha

Based on the Evelyn Waugh novel of the same name, Brideshead Revisited is wonderfully acted and beautifully shot but moves too fast through some of its plot points.

Charles Ryder (Matthew Goode) befriends the eccentric Lord Sebastian Flyte (Ben Whishaw) at Oxford and becomes great friends with him. When Sebastian brings Charles to his home Brideshead, Charles meets Sebastian’s sister Julia (Hayley Atwell) and they begin an intimate and forbidden romance.

Emma Thompson plays the matriarch of the family who’s deeply invested in her Catholicism. The role in which religion plays throughout the film is strong with it ruining several relationships but also providing guidance when needed. It’s an interesting battle.

The film decides to lean into the sexual intimacy of Charles and Sebastian’s friendship but almost cheapens it by providing fleeting moments.

Final say: A moving but imperfect piece. ★★★★☆