Tolkien review – Doesn’t dig deep enough into author’s life

JRR Tolkien, one of literature’s great fantasy storytellers, is brought vividly to life in this broodingly serious biopic about the author’s early life.

The production focuses much of its energy on Tolkien’s experience in World War 2 and particularly the Battle of the Somme, an episode that left Tolkien with deep scars. The scenes depicted here are horrendous and bring home the brutality of war.

Nicholas Hoult, who is also featured in X-Men: Dark Phoenix and was recently in The Favourite, shows a completely different side to his acting make-up with a spellbinding performance.

He imbues the character with a quiet, almost romantic intensity as he strives forcefully to realise his dreams.

Nicholas Hoult and Lilly Collins. Picture: Fox Searchlight

Playing opposite him is Lilly Collins (musician Phil Collins’ daughter), as his wife Edith, and the young actress manages to do a lot with a minimalist script.

Her devotion to him is a highlight and their tender scenes of togetherness help lift the narrative. They exude a charming chemistry which is maintained throughout the highs and lows of their relationship.

The visionary who created Hobbits, Middle Earth, a totally new language and much, much more on the literary landscape came from humble beginnings and worked his way to success.

He was orphaned at a young age and taken under the wing of the local priest (Colm Meaney). Sent to live at the mansion of a wealthy widow, who cared for orphaned children, he meets young Edith and his life changes.

Though his story is an excellent example of faith and perseverance, it is hardly an inspiring tale. One suspects the hordes of Tolkien fans will be comfortable with the telling, but will feel a little cheated in that the film did not dig deeper into his life.

Nicholas Hoult and Lilly Collins. Picture: Fox Searchlight

Art, love and friendship, though, are the cornerstones upon which director Dome Karukoski has built his story. Karukoski has paid fastidious attention to detail in recreating this period drama, which is aesthetically appealing.

While Tolkien attempts to explore the character’s motivations and influences, the man behind the myth is never fully uncovered.

Info

Rating: ★★☆☆☆
Cast: Nicholas Hoult, Lilly Collins, Colm Meaney, Derek Jacobi, Patrick Gibson, Al Bollands, Anthony Boyle.
Director: Dome Karukoski
Classification: 13 DV

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