Benediction

Synopsis

Siegfried Sassoon is one of Britain’s most revered poets, gaining notoriety after returning from the trenches after the First World War and becoming a vocal critic of the British government, despite being proclaimed a hero. Feeling compelled to write about his experiences, his poems soon grab the attention of both the aristocracy and the world of theater, thrusting him into the social spotlight. This film intertwines his evocative poetry with the trials he faced in his personal life, from being sent to a psychiatric facility for his anti-war stance alongside coming to terms with his homosexuality after embarking on a string of passionate affairs. Rich in detail throughout its period setting, Benediction can help students see the world through the eyes of a poet, a soldier, a father and a dissident, all whilst maintaining an air of authenticity throughout.