The classic French play Cyrano de Bergerac has been made into a stage musical at least three times – most recently by Erica Schmidt, who wrote her 2018 version as a vehicle for her husband, Peter Dinklage.

Dinklage takes the lead again in this film version, as the titular Cyrano: a soldier who is desperately in love with his lifelong friend Roxanne (Haley Bennett); while Roxanne has fallen for another soldier in his company, Christian (Kelvin Harrison Jr). Too self-conscious about his height to declare himself, Cyrano instead pours out his feelings in letters to Roxanne he writes on behalf of, and as a favour to, Christian. There is also a third competitor for Roxanne’s heart, whose jealousy will be the catalyst for tragedy.

Directed by Joe Wright (Atonement, Darkest Hour), this is a lush and sumptuous take on the oft-told tale, buoyed by yet another terrific performance from Dinklage.