447 words, 2 minutes read time.
“Journey’s End” (2017) is a powerful and poignant war drama that brings R.C. Sherriff’s classic play to life on the big screen. Directed by Saul Dibb, the film is set during World War I and unfolds within the claustrophobic confines of a British trench on the Western Front.
The film’s greatest strength lies in its authentic portrayal of the psychological toll of war. As the characters grapple with fear, camaraderie, and the inevitability of death, the audience is given a raw and unflinching glimpse into the harsh realities faced by soldiers on the front lines. The ensemble cast, featuring standout performances from Sam Claflin, Asa Butterfield, and Paul Bettany, effectively conveys the emotional complexity of their characters.
Dibb skillfully captures the tension and sense of impending doom, creating an atmosphere that is both harrowing and immersive. The trench setting adds to the film’s realism, with mud-covered landscapes and dimly lit bunkers, transporting viewers into the heart of the war experience.
The narrative unfolds in real-time, heightening the immediacy of the characters’ experiences. The script balances moments of intense drama with quiet, reflective interludes, providing a nuanced portrayal of the human condition in times of extreme adversity.
“Journey’s End” is a war film that goes beyond the battlefield, delving into the humanity of its characters and exploring themes of sacrifice, duty, and the futility of war. The film also explores the social and political themes of class differences, courage, and comradeship1. The portrayal of the Colonel and unseen superiors suggests that Sherriff wants us to question the decisions and behavior of the rich, privately educated men in charge of the war effort. While Sherriff does not mock them outright, he does give his audiences reasons to doubt those in power. The play also showcases the effect of war on personal relationships, particularly how wartime power dynamics and interpersonal attitudes alter the ways people interact with one another.
“Journey’s End” is a sobering and emotionally resonant film that pays homage to the original play while offering a fresh and cinematic perspective on the enduring impact of conflict on the human soul.
Sherriff uses World War One to explore a variety of themes – including the futility of war, class differences, courage, and comradeship. The portrayal of the Colonel and unseen superiors suggests that Sherriff wants us to question the decisions and behaviour of the rich, privately educated men in charge of the war effort. The play showcases the effect of war on personal relationships, particularly how wartime power dynamics and interpersonal attitudes alter the ways people interact with one another.
Reviewed by Pat Harrington
Picture credit: The poster art can or could be obtained from the distributor., Fair use, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?curid=52754711
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