VITA AND VIRGINIA
★★★★★
(12A) A FORMER Bond girl gives a compelling turn as a predatory jazz age socialite in this real-life lesbian love story.
Since her breakthrough role in 2008’s Quantum of Solace, Gemma Arterton has developed into an authoritative big-screen performer. As Vita SackvilleWest, she’s a married “promiscuous exhibitionist” aristocrat who pursues a scandalous affair with famed writer Virginia Woolf, played here by Elizabeth Debicki.
She’s the psychologically fragile heart of London’s racy bohemian Bloomsbury set, (PG) and Debicki’s ethereal presence, combined with Arterton’s earthy urgency, engenders their coupling with an erotic charge.
But there’s nothing gratuitous, instead Chanya Button’s steady-handed direction gives us an articulate and complex character study, which explores the many different forms of love and desire.
There are elements of magical realism, a strong supporting cast, excellent locations and gorgeous costumes. Plus there’s a startlingly modern electronic score by Isobel Waller-Bridge, who also provided the music for her sister Phoebe’s Fleabag TV series. favourite and ends up first in the dog house and then out on the street, from where he tries to return home.
Meanwhile, in Buckingham Palace, there’s a character called Charlie who’s in dogged pursuit of the position of top dog, and long-suffering footmen are peed on by pampered pedigree pets. So at least some of the political jokes have a bit of bite, unlike the toothless nips aimed at Donald Trump.
It’s busy and simple enough to just about pass muster for undemanding little kids.