A celebrated period drama from 2002, praised for its beautiful and heartbreaking storytelling, has arrived on BBC iPlayer for viewers to stream completely free of charge.
A Star-Studded Adaptation of a Literary Classic
The film, titled 'The Heart of Me', is an adaptation of Rosamond Lehmann's acclaimed 1953 novel, 'The Echoing Grove'. It features a formidable cast led by Helena Bonham Carter, Paul Bettany, and Olivia Williams. Set in London across the pre- and post-Second World War years, the narrative delves into the profound and damaging repercussions of a clandestine affair between a woman and her sister's husband.
The story commences in 1934 following a funeral. Madeleine, portrayed by Olivia Williams, lives with her husband Rickie (Paul Bettany) and her sister Dinah (Helena Bonham Carter). Tensions simmer as Rickie finds he has more in common with Dinah, leading to a confession of attraction and the ignition of a passionate, long-term affair that the film meticulously explores.
Audience Acclaim and Critical Reception
Following its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, 'The Heart of Me' received a mixed response from critics. However, it has been passionately embraced by audiences, with many awarding it perfect scores on platforms like IMDb. Some fans have even suggested its depth surpasses that of modern romantic series.
Viewers have been effusive in their praise online. One described it as a "beautiful, heartbreaking film" full of dramatic irony, noting its power to completely transport the audience. Another reviewer highlighted the "magnificent and sublime" performances, particularly praising Helena Bonham Carter and Olivia Williams for their "perfect pitch". A third called the film "everything one could possibly want a modern British period film to be", applauding its script, cinematography, and production design.
The 'Breathtaking' Source Material
The film's source material has also garnered significant admiration. On Goodreads, the synopsis for 'The Echoing Grove' describes Lehmann's exploration of "the sublimity and the pain" of fatally interlinked lives. Readers have commended the novel's "breathtaking" prose and its effective, if sometimes abrupt, shifts in perspective and time, which create a powerful sense of fragmented memory and hidden truths.
For devotees of sophisticated period romance, complex character studies, and exemplary British acting, 'The Heart of Me' represents a compelling and now freely accessible piece of cinema. It offers a poignant look at love, betrayal, and the enduring consequences of our choices, all set against the backdrop of a changing world.
The film is available to watch now as part of a collection of period drama masterpieces on BBC iPlayer.
