The Seagull review – Mr T’s take
Review: Based on Anton Chekov’s play of the same name, The Seagull is a treatise on unrequited love. It’s about how we push the people away who care about us the most and yearn for the next thing which we don’t have.
Billy Howle is convincing as the misunderstood and struggling young dramatist who excels in abstract plays but detests commercial theatre. Saoirse Ronan’s expressions appear to be a bit melodramatic, and Corey Stoll fails to convey the ruminative, mysterious charm required for this role. However, Anette Benning’s portrayal of a possessive lover cum dismissive mother and Elisabeth Moss as the sarcastic woman overlooked by everyone are the real scene stealers here.
This movie feels as if a part of theatre has been captured on camera, but ultimately fails to be something more than the sum of its parts. My rating is 2.5/5.
Who should watch this: If you like period romance dramas, I think this qualifies as a one time watch. Also check out The Beguiled, My Cousin Rachel, The Age Of Innocence, Jane Eyre, Atonement and Anna Karenina.