The Edge Of Love

Rating:

* * * *

Verdict:

A well-crafted film about love, friendship, war and poetry.

Fans of the colourful and romantic Welsh poet Dylan Thomas can rest easy. They may be aghast at the casting of tabloid fave Sienna Miller and the polarising Keira Knightley, but this isn't an in-depth exploration of the life and work of Thomas.

Rather, it is a glimpse into the charismatic and complex writer's character through his troubled relationship with two women in his life, and both actresses do it well.

The Edge of Love

is a tightly written and emotional drama, written by Knightley's mother Sharman Macdonald, and which borders on the melodramatic. The film is both realistic and poetic in its portrayal of the times (the film is set during World War II London and on the coast of Wales) with moody, lush and poetic visuals mixed in with the ugly reality of living and surviving during a war, and the consequences it has on relationships.

At the centre of this film is Dylan's feisty and free-spirited wife Caitlin Thomas (Miller), and his first love and childhood sweetheart Vera Killick (Knightley). Both actresses perform beyond expectations, Miller especially, and their rivalry, which becomes a strong and unlikely friendship, is the foundation of this story.

Dylan (Rhys from TV's

Brothers and Sisters

) is reacquainted with Vera, now a nightclub singer, while he is in London writing scripts for Ministry of Information propaganda films. Much to Vera's surprise she discovers Dylan is married when Caitlin turns up. With nowhere to stay, the Thomas' move into Vera's bedsit, and, even though it is obvious Vera and Dylan still have feelings for each other, Vera and Caitlin form a strong and supportive friendship.

Vera is pursued by the strong-willed soldier William Killick (Murphy) and she finally agrees to marry him, but soon after he leaves for the front, and a pregnant Vera is left to rely on the Thomases for support.

When William returns from the front he is furious to find the three living in cottages on the Welsh coast and his suspicions of infidelity are the catalyst for Caitlin, Vera and Dylan to confront their complex relationship once and for all.

Rhys is incredibly likeable as the witty, weak and needy Dylan, happy to use those around him to inspire his work, no matter what the collateral damage may be. Dylan's poetry is interspersed throughout the film, encouraging you to re-read his work, but when it comes to

The Edge of Love

the camera close-ups and drama belong to the ladies.

Francesca Rudkin

Cast:

Keira Knightley, Cillian Murphy, Sienna Miller, Matthew Rhys

Director:

John Maybury

Running time:

106 mins

Rating:

M (violence and sexual references)

Screening:

Rialto, SkyCity, Berkeley Cinemas