THE HAPPY PRINCE

The last days of Oscar Wilde – and the ghosts that haunted them – are vividly evoked in Rupert Everett’s directorial debut, The Happy Prince. Everett gives a career-best performance as Wilde, physically and emotionally embodying the literary genius as he lives out his last days in exile in Europe. The film opens in Paris, where Wilde, penniless and in poor health, is still reeling after being imprisoned for his love affair with Lord Alfred Bosie Douglas (Colin Morgan). His thoughts are filled with love and betrayal and permeated with those closest to him: Bosie, his literary agent Robbie Ross (Edwin Thomas), his great friend Reggie Turner (Colin Firth), and his estranged wife Constance (Emily Watson). As the film travels through Wilde’s final act, desire and loyalty face off, the transience of lust is laid bare, and the true riches to be found in a life filled with love are revealed.