‘Simply divine’ period drama based on novel is free to watch | Films | Entertainment
Fans of period dramas are being urged to watch a drama based on the 1925 novel by Virginia Woolf, which is available to stream for free on BBC iPlayer. The film, which is one of many great period dramas based on a novel, moves between the present and the past as it explores the life of a woman whose husband is a prosperous politician in London.
Set in 1923, the film begins by following a woman named Clarissa, but intercut with Clarissa’s present and past is the story of another couple – Septimus and his wife Rezia. Septimus was a decorated officer in the First World War who ended up paralysed by horrible flashbacks, while his wife is desperate to get him psychiatric help.
The film in question is Mrs Dalloway, starring Vanessa Redgrave in the title role, with Rupert Graves as Septimus Warren Smith and Amelia Bullmore as Rezia Warren Smith. The film is based on Virginia Woolf’s novel of the same name, which originated from two short stories.
In October 2005, Mrs Dalloway was included in TIME Magazine’s list of the 100 best English-language novels written since its first issue in 1923. It details a day in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, an upper-class woman in post-First World War England.
The film adaptation received positive reviews from critics and currently has a 71 per cent approval rating on the review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes.
Viewers at home took to IMDb reviews to share their thoughts, with DaughterNo2 giving it 10 out of 10 stars, hailing it “simply divine”. They added: “This period film is rich in character, lush scenery of London and divine costumes.
“Vanessa Redgrave is simply lovely. I thoroughly enjoyed the building of the story by interchanging flashbacks with current time. The movie encourages one that hasn’t read the novel by Virginia Woolf to do so.”
Johnsimpsonhenley called the film “perfect in every way”, adding: “This is a very enjoyable film, a brilliant adaptation of the book.” Gaiter88 called it “a beautiful adaptation of a wonderful book”.
They added: “In essence, when I watched this film it charmed me for an hour and a half, and then when it was finished left me questioning the value of my life, and important decision I had made, and was yet to make, which if you have ever read it is exactly what the book does.”
Isnogud-der-grosswesir branded it a “sublime adaptation of an essential novel”, expanding: “This film is VERY little less than a masterpiece! It actually works on several levels, all blending effortlessly together.
“Redgrave is absolutely sublime and shows what a great actress she really is – she sails through the film with grace and dignity and lends real spirit to the character whom she plays.
“Surrounded by a stellar cast, most notably Graves and McElhone she makes this film a sheer delight to watch.” Natascha McElhone stars as a Young Clarissa in the film.
Viewers may also recognise a young Lena Headey from Game of Thrones, who stars as Young Sally. The actress would have been in her early 20s when filming took place.
Mrs Dalloway is available on BBC iPlayer
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