Set in post-Second World War London, Davies’ adaptation of Terence Rattigan’s play is a lyrical study of fidelity and loneliness, featuring an outstanding central performance from Rachel Weisz as Hester. Trapped in a passionless marriage to an older man she experiences a sexual awakening after taking a younger lover, dashing R.A.F. pilot Freddie (Tom Hiddleston). Quickly leaving her husband for him, Hester is ostracised by her former friends, and Freddie soon proves to be more interested in drunken carousing with his friends than he is in her, leaving Hester in a social and emotional no-man’s land. Shot through with Davies’ trademark eye for detail, it’s a film that’s simply beautiful to watch, with a long tracking shot in the Underground accompanied by a lone voice singing Molly Malone proving particularly memorable.

This screening will be introduced by Terence Davies, who will take part in a Q&A afterwards.

This film is showing as part of IFI & Darklight: Terence Davies (August 24th & 25th).