The collaboration between Terence Davies and Jack Lowden resulted in a rather captivating account of the life—and romantic relationships—of renowned British poet Siegfried Sassoon. Though not someone who refused to serve in the military—he received an MC during World War I—Sassoon publicly opposed government policies regarding the war, leading to his hospitalization near Edinburgh. It was there that he began exploring his sexuality and experiencing first love under the care of Dr. Rivers (Ben Daniels), specifically with fellow WWI poet Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson). The film employs two distinct timelines in its storytelling. One timeline follows a more sequential order as Sassoon develops relationships with the attractive but often unreliable and critical Ivor Novello (Jeremy Irvine) and Stephen Tennant, portrayed brilliantly by Calam Lynch. The second narrative thread, which feels less fleshed out, presents a contemporary perspective through Peter Capaldi, depicting an older man who seems somewhat jaded and grumpy. As we witness Sassoon’s younger years unfold, some insight is gained into the reasons behind the older man's present demeanor—a poignant revelation aided by Gemma Jones’ subtle performance as his patient wife. The film incorporates actual footage from the Somme (which may be disturbing to some viewers) and features frequent appearances of Jack Lowden, who bears a striking resemblance to James McAvoy, reciting selections of Sassoon’s most impactful poetry, particularly one of Owen's poems toward the conclusion. Despite some inconsistencies in its narrative strength, this well-produced film offers considerable substance for reflection. While the story’s quality fluctuates at times, it generally succeeds thanks to a strong supporting cast. Simon Russell Beale is wonderfully sharp as Robbie Ross and Lia Williams embodies an exceptionally detached Edith Sitwell, contributing to a memorable depiction of a social stratum where homosexuals found acceptance, creativity flourished, and stress, guilt, and anxiety deeply impacted everyone’s lives.

Source on TMDB