The Newlyn School of artists flourished at the beginning of the 20th Century and the film focuses on the wild and bohemian Lamorna Group which included Alfred Munnings and Laura and Harold Knight. The incendiary anti-Modernist Munnings now regarded as one of Britains most sought-after artists is at the centre of the complex love triangle involving aspiring artist Florence Carter-Wood and Gilbert Evans the land agent in charge of the Lamorna Valley estate. True - and deeply moving - the story is played out against the timeless beauty of the Cornish coast in the approaching shadow of The Great War.
Review
I thought this film was fantastic. It was beautiful to watch and seriously tore at the heart strings. I'm not particularly into art or horses but I loved it and I imagine if you are into art or horses you'll be bowled over. Where I wasn't particularly keen on Dominic Cooper before in this he had me completely invested. I think the star of the film however has to be Hattie Morahan. She had so much life in her portrayal of Laura Knight and she had me completely captivated from the beginning. Dan Stevens and Emily Browning were also good and there was a fascinating chemistry sparking off between all three leads. There's something for everyone here. Takes a bit of warming up from the beginning but I came out of the cinema buzzing. Go see.