THE EDGE OF LOVE

Set amongst the unrest of London under siege during the Second World War, this film tells the story of eminent Welsh poet Dylan Thomas (Matthew Rhys) and the two women he loves: his spirited wife Caitlin (Sienna Miller) and childhood sweetheart Vera (Keira Knightly). The central relationship however, is not that of Thomas and his women, nor is it of Vera and her handsome soldier William, but rather of the two women who form a unique bond, united in their love of the poet. Unfortunately, what could have been an intelligent portrait of female friendship comes off as insipid and stylistically indulgent. Thomas is painted as a shallow lothario, while Vera and Caitlin frolick, giggle and pout their way through what is supposed to be a complex adult relationship. While visually compelling, The Edge of Love ultimately lacks the kind of depth required of its central themes. (Anna Harrison)