This story, presented as a series of interviews looking back on events, explores the disappointment and political inexperience within the British upper class during the 1930s. Guy Bennett, played by Rupert Everett, was a Cambridge University student—openly gay among his peers—existing outside mainstream social and political conventions. He formed a friendship with Tommy Judd (Colin Firth), primarily due to a shared desire to reject societal norms, though their beliefs differed significantly; Judd held strong Marxist views while Everett’s character seemed driven by ambition—possibly linked to his sexuality—to achieve prominence within the school's rigid system. A romantic involvement develops when he falls for James Harcourt (Cary Elwes), and previously overlooked aspects of his behavior, along with Judd’s, are suddenly scrutinized and pushed to a crisis point. Julian Mitchell adapted his own play to reveal how damaging educational institutions could be for those who refused to conform, and conversely, how supportive they were of the individuals who rigidly adhered to expectations (Tristan Oliver delivers a skillful performance as Fowler). It's easy to see why these universities became fertile ground for recruiting people for covert operations. The film is visually appealing—though filmed in Oxford—and features a subtle, fitting musical score by Michael Storey.

Source on TMDB