REVIEW: 45 Years (2016)

"It's a shame to not have more photos around the house. I guess we didn't see the point of taking pictures of ourselves. It's a shame."

45 Years is a film solely rooted in the pleasure and discomfort of the past - How do memories haunt us? What repercussions do they have? In Andrew Haigh's masterful character study, there is an uncomfortable presence that looms over Kate and Geoff's marriage, as troubling news of a woman from Geoff's past surfaces. This revelation creates a divide that Kate finds increasingly concerning in the lead up to their 45th wedding anniversary.

Haigh's talent for deft, subtle direction improves in leaps and bounds with each film he makes - In 45 Years he's at the height of his power. It is a film that takes it's meaning from the smaller details: a glance, a kiss, a walk through the countryside.

From observing the way in which Rampling and Courtney's characters address each other, we're able to gain an intimate view of the two - Not only as a couple, but as multi-faceted and deeply complex individuals. Rampling especially brings an astonishing amount of depth to her character.

45 Years is an absolute masterclass in well-defined character drama and the power of understatement.

5/5

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