Many moviefans will consider both Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander as two of the best actors around at the moment. They both have been building an impressive filmography and are able to put a lot of emotion into their performances. In this movie the two of them worked together and that even ended up in the two of them dating. With so much chemistry the question is whether director Derek Cianfrance has succeeded to catch that for the big screen.
Just after the first world war and its atrocities former soldier Tom Sherbourne (Fassbender) wants to apply to a job as lighthouse keeper, off the coast of Australia. A place far away from society where the only interaction is a ship with supplies every few weeks. It’s a perfect place for Tom to be alone and battle his inner demons. During his intake he meets Isabel Graysmark (Vikander) and the two start writing letters to each other. When Tom returns to land he meets up with Isabel and they fall in love, marry and return to the lighthouse. The two enjoy each other’s company to the fullest, but are struggling with a big issue. When a boat washes up with a dead man inside and a helpless baby this seems to be a bright light in their lives. The decide to raise the baby without informing the authorities. It turns out that is a lot harder than they had imagined.
Initially I strong doubts whether I would be able to enjoy this movie. The story follows the typical romantic cliches and I was afraid this was going to be one of those pulpy romantic book type of movies. I should have known better though as Cianfrance previously was responsible for both Blue Valentine and The Place Beyond the Pines. He succeeds in creating an emotional thread which he slowly wraps around the viewer and making it hard to get away. The great acting by the two actors sells it all. It’s worth mentioning Rachel Weisz as well, who manages to add an extra layer, despite her small role. The movie could have been a bit shorter, but it was one I really enjoyed. I’m looking forward to find out what Cianfrance will do with this next movie, Metalhead.
