Name: My Policeman
Genre: Drama, Romance
Released: 2022-10-20T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Gina McKee, Linus Roache, Rupert Everett, Harry Styles, Emma Corrin

The opening shot of My Policeman is a close-up of Rupert Everett’s weathered face, his eyes crinkling with unspoken longing. It’s a potent image, one that promises a deep dive into memory and regret. Yet, the film never quite lives up to that promise.

Based on Bethan Roberts’ 2012 novel, My Policeman is a historical romance set in 1950s Brighton, where homosexuality was illegal. The story unfolds through a nonlinear narrative, jumping between the late 1990s and the 1950s. In the present day, an elderly Patrick (Everett) moves in with Marion (Gina McKee) and Tom (Linus Roache), triggering flashbacks to their younger selves (David Dawson, Emma Corrin, and Harry Styles, respectively). The film’s structure is its strongest asset, allowing for a layered exploration of love, repression, and the passage of time.

Director Michael Grandage has a solid track record in theater but struggles to translate that prowess to the screen. The film’s visual language is often static and uninspired, relying heavily on close-ups and mid-shots without much dynamism. There are moments of beauty—like the sun-drenched beach scenes—but they feel sporadic rather than part of a cohesive vision.

The performances are a mixed bag. Dawson stands out as Patrick, bringing nuance and depth to a character torn between love and societal pressure. His chemistry with Styles is palpable, especially in their quieter moments together. However, Styles’ performance as Tom is uneven. He captures the character’s internal conflict but lacks the gravitas needed for the more dramatic beats.

Corrin, on the other hand, delivers a nuanced portrayal of Marion, making her jealousy and pain feel real and relatable. McKee and Roache, playing their older counterparts, bring a sense of weariness and resignation that grounds the film in emotional truth.

The screenplay, adapted by Ron Nyswaner, struggles with pacing and coherence. The nonlinear structure is compelling but often confusing, with transitions that feel abrupt rather than seamless. The dialogue, while occasionally sharp, often leans into melodrama without earning it.

Where My Policeman falters most is in its handling of the historical context. The film touches on the brutality of anti-gay laws but never fully explores their impact, reducing them to a backdrop rather than a driving force of the narrative.

In the end, My Policeman is a film of missed opportunities. It has the bones of a powerful story and moments of genuine emotional resonance, but it’s let down by uneven direction, a lackluster screenplay, and performances that are hit-or-miss.

The film’s central themes of love, repression, and societal constraints are undeniably relevant, especially in today’s climate of increasing acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ communities. However, My Policeman never fully commits to exploring these themes in a way that feels fresh or insightful. Instead, it relies on familiar tropes and well-worn narratives, making it feel more like a period piece than a timely exploration of love and identity.

The film’s pacing is another major issue. The nonlinear structure, while initially intriguing, becomes increasingly confusing as the film progresses. The transitions between past and present are often jarring, and the narrative never fully coheres into a satisfying whole. This lack of coherence is compounded by a screenplay that struggles to balance the film’s various themes and character arcs.

Despite these flaws, My Policeman does have its moments. Dawson’s performance is a standout, bringing depth and nuance to a complex character. His chemistry with Styles is palpable, and their scenes together are some of the film’s most compelling. Corrin also delivers a strong performance, making Marion’s jealousy and pain feel real and relatable.

However, these strengths are not enough to elevate My Policeman above its flaws. The film’s static direction, uneven performances, and lackluster screenplay ultimately hold it back from being the powerful exploration of love and identity that it could have been.

In comparison to other recent films exploring similar themes, such as Moonlight or Call Me By Your Name, My Policeman falls short. These films are marked by their nuanced explorations of love and identity, their dynamic direction, and their compelling performances. My Policeman, on the other hand, feels more like a well-meaning but ultimately forgettable period piece.

In conclusion, My Policeman is a film that promises much but delivers little. While it has its moments of emotional resonance and strong performances, it’s ultimately let down by uneven direction, a lackluster screenplay, and a failure to fully explore its central themes.