If you can handle its old-fashioned melodrama, you will find a beautifully shot, powerfully acted tale of loss, grief and the healing power of love.
The relentless melodrama drowns out the intrigue of the ethical dilemma, which should have formed the beating heart of the story – whether Tom and Isabel are right to keep the child – and, despite the talent involved, The Light Between Oceans is mawkish when it should be moving.
Though the cast (which includes Rachel Weisz) does some good work, it’s too controlled to rip you apart the way a film like this should.
Alicia Vikander and Michael Fassbender can’t save this poorly paced version of ML Stedman’s book.
Vikander and Fassbender are riveting in a handsome period drama that begins beautifully, but becomes increasingly contrived as it tries to wring as much drama as possible from its set-up.
General release. Check local listings for show times.