Audio Film Review: ‘Benediction’ Finds No Air in the Closet

Submitted by PatrickMcD on June 3, 2022 - 7:33pm

CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com audio film review on “Benediction,” the biography film of Siegfried Sassoon, a prominent early 20th Century poet who lived his life as a closeted gay man … a somber kick-off to Pride Month. In select theaters, see local listings for theaters and show times.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

This is an unconventional bio as Sassoon (Jack Lowden, also Peter Capaldi in later years) became one of Britain’s leading poets in part due to his protest and honor poems after serving as a decorated soldier in World War One. He also was a closeted gay man, evolving through a number of influential relationships including Wilfred Owen (Matthew Tennyson) and Calam Lynch (Stephen Tennant). Later, he married Hester (Kate Phillips) and converted to the Catholic faith in his older age, while at the same time negotiating his relationship with son George (Richard Goulding).

”Benediction” is in select theaters beginning June 3rd. Featuring Jack Lowden, Peter Capaldi, Kate Phillips, Gemma Jones, Calam Lynch and Matthew Tennyson. Written and diirected by Terrence Davies. Rated “PG-13”