In Benediction, acclaimed director Terence Davies once again turns his gaze on the life of an influential poet, having previously examined Emily Dickinson in 2016's A Quiet Passion. This time, Davies brings the turbulent life of renowned poet Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden, Peter Capaldi) to the screen.

Sassoon was decorated for his bravery on the Western Front, but also took a vocal stance against his government’s role in the war. He became a leading poet of his era, and is best known for his depictions of the horrors of WWI that he experienced. A highly complex figure of the 20th century, he tried to find salvation within the conformity of marriage and religion whilst at the same time pursuing affairs with several men.

Benediction’s portrayal of a man searching for peace and self-acceptance in a fractured world is as relevant today as it was in Sassoon’s time.