ReelBob: ‘On Chesil Beach’ ★★★
By Bob Bloom
“On Chesil Beach” is a melancholy-toned poem about mistakes in life made in the heat and passion of the moment.
Set in 1962, the movie is filled with awkwardness, miscommunication, anger and humiliation, as it follows a young couple on their honeymoon shortly after their wedding.
The movie, adapted by Ian McEwan from his novel, follows the idyllic and happy courtship of Florence (Saorise Ronan) and Edward (Billy Howle).
They are from different classes, yet an attraction immediately ignites when they first meet. Both, however, are weighed down by emotional baggage and family problems.
Both are dysfunctional: Florence comes from an upper-class family, in which her mother is cold and distant, and there are hints that her father is abusive. Edward’s mother sustained brain damage in an accident, and family life centers around keeping her on an even keel.
In 1962, England was on the cusp of the sexual revolution, triggered by changes in attitude, fashion and, most importantly, music.
Like the United States in the 1950s, a repressive aura, especially about sex, still held sway. People did not openly discuss it, and the basics of physical intimacy remained a mystery to many.
It is telling that Dan Jones’ musical score opens with a bluesy, early rock sound and, as the film progresses, relies more and more on classical music, before reverting to rock at the finale.
On that stage, Florence and Edward embark on their honeymoon.
Throughout the first two-thirds of the movie, the pair act awkwardly and embarrassed around each other. They are hesitant and tentative in their actions, afraid to commit wholeheartedly.
Their anxiety is so palpable that it jumps off the screen. You sit helpless, as if watching two cars driving head-on and knowing you are powerless to prevent the inevitable outcome.
This emotional repression leads to fateful consequences that drastically change Florence’s and Edward’s lives.
“On Chesil Beach” is a gloomy story, not so much of miscommunication, but of an inability to verbally express fears and doubts.
You so much want them to have a successful honeymoon that it is heartbreaking to watch as they fumble through their sexual inexperience.
And while the movie is slow going, the performances of Ronan and Howle draw you in.
Ronan — especially through her gestures, expression and — most of all, her eyes — convey her fears and uncertainties about her role as a bride.
Howle maintains a calm demeanor, smothering a volcanic temper that explodes in bursts of vitriol and frustration.
“On Chesil Beach” is an unhappy movie because of the loss and aching of its protagonists.
The film’s tragedy is that a chance for a lifetime of happiness is squandered because of societal ignorance.
I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
ON CHESIL BEACH
3 stars out of 4
(R), sexual content, nudity