A 2002 BBC period drama, The Heart of Me, is captivating audiences with its tale of forbidden love and a love triangle. Starring Helena Bonham Carter, Paul Bettany, and Olivia Williams, the film is an adaptation of Rosamond Lehmann's 1953 novel The Echoing Grove.
Set in London before and after the Second World War, the story follows a woman's affair with her sister's husband. The complex narrative explores the consequences of this illicit relationship, earning praise for its emotional depth and powerful performances.
Helena Bonham Carter has been particularly lauded for her role. One Rotten Tomatoes user wrote: 'I love this movie to bits... It's so moving and powerful that I ended up crying throughout it... The acting is brilliant!' Another reviewer compared it favourably to Atonement and Wings of the Dove.
The film's upper-class setting and refined English dialogue enhance its period drama feel, while the stunning backdrop of the Isle of Man adds to its visual appeal. Despite a modest 50% Rotten Tomatoes score, many viewers have found it 'heartbreaking' and 'compelling'.
The Heart of Me is available to stream free on BBC iPlayer.
