Overview
- Alan Bennett wrote the screenplay and Nicholas Hytner directed, with Ralph Fiennes starring as choirmaster Henry Guthrie.
- Set in a fictional Yorkshire town in 1916, the story centers on a local society preparing Elgar’s The Dream of Gerontius.
- The Guardian praises the film as an unsentimental, deeply felt work that channels emotion through Elgar’s music.
- The Daily Mail delivers a negative verdict, calling it second-rate for both Bennett and Hytner while acknowledging the cast’s efforts.
- Reviewers note a candid treatment of adult themes and single out an ensemble featuring Roger Allam, Simon Russell Beale as Elgar, Alun Armstrong, Mark Addy and Amara Okereke.