my policeman was one of the most anticipated debuts of this year’s TIFF, especially given the controversy that Harry Styles’ other film, don’t worry darling, reunited on his festival tour. Sadly, this film is much less spicy, a largely bland and forgettable affair that features some of the most offbeat performances of the year.
The film follows a couple who take in their old friend after a stroke, bringing back memories of a love triangle they had together decades earlier. No one expected it to be Oscar-level material, but audiences hoped it would at least be a decent acting showcase for his ensemble. In fact, it is a Notebook-style story, only worse.
For those wondering how the film handles its complex themes of identity and homophobia, it fails miserably. Based on a novel by Bethan Roberts, this film should have been a slam dunk: a gay police officer at a time when homosexuality is banned as “indecency”. However, his approach is simply bland and has nothing new to say about the situation.
Amazingly, audiences will leave the film feeling emotionally cold, which shouldn’t be the case with a movie like this. The ending is a clear attempt to be a tearjerker, but it’s delivered in a way that feels completely unnatural. Additionally, the film’s narrative structure, cutting between the 1950s and 1990s, undermines any emotional resonance that the characters’ individual arcs might have had.
Also Read: Don’t Worry, Darling Star Harry Styles Reveals He Has No Idea About Acting: ‘That’s What I Find Most Interesting About It’
In fact, the only reason my policeman getting as much attention as it will is the fact that this is pop star Harry Styles’ first major lead role (if you count don’t worry darling as more supporting than leading), because other than that, it’s a pretty standard sentimental romance drama. And – perhaps unsurprisingly given the press tours he’s been on – his performance isn’t even that good. The highlights are amazing, and the subtle portions make it look like it’s getting tired.
The rest of the cast are doing slightly better than Styles, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing a good job. David Dawson is a highlight as Styles’ love interest, but Rupert Everett plays the old post-stroke version in a way that borders on offensive. As an older version of Styles’ character, Linus Roache feels like he’s doing something completely different and it just doesn’t make sense. However, Ema Corrin’s tour is the most uncertain of the bunch, showing moments of grandeur alongside absolutely contrived bits.
From a technical point of view, the film is certainly competent, but it does not bring anything special. The whole thing feels very saturated and leans too heavily on the scenic locations it’s set to work in. Steven Price’s score is the only aspect of the film that’s pleasant enough, but it’s overwhelming in the context of the film.
my policeman really is a chore to go through. The script doesn’t seem to want to do more than the bare minimum, performance is misguided, and execution is about as average as it gets. It may have been meant to launch Harry Styles’ career as a movie star, but it will only cement him as Hollywood’s latest meme. 4/5.
my policeman screened at the 2022 Toronto International Film Festival, which runs September 8-18.
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