Paul Reynolds and Philip Williamson’s performances brought to mind actors from the silent era in this affecting story dealing with same-sex desire, passion, and a deep affection, all set against the backdrop of Shakespeare's sonnets—read with feeling and energy by Judi Dench. The visuals are frequently fragmented and symbolic; everyday items often seem alive as one man searches for his beloved and strives to prove himself worthy of that love. It moves slowly. There were moments when it felt like a collection of disconnected sequences rather than a consistent plot, and it’s undeniably self-indulgent—though this isn't necessarily an unfair assessment for many films by Derek Jarman, in my view. Despite that, I didn’t find it dull. It’s not something everyone will appreciate; honestly, I’m uncertain if it fully clicked with me—but it’s more than just background noise and could connect strongly with people who experienced the gay community during 1980s Britain under Margaret Thatcher's government, possibly more so than others. It held my attention, though I don’t imagine I’ll revisit it.

Source on TMDB