The Burying Party

The Burying Party is a stunning 2018 drama that takes us back into the heart of World War I, exploring the life and times of one of the most cherished of war poets, Wilfred Owen. This movie is anchored by lead performances from talented actors including Matthew Staite, Sid Phoenix, and Joyce Branagh in key roles, highlighting a poignant echo of a heart-breaking time in history.

The film predominantly focuses on the last few tumultuous years in the life of Wilfred Owen, brilliantly portrayed by Matthew Staite. Owen, a frail yet strong-minded individual, sought to communicate the unspeakable horrors witnessed and experienced in the trenches through his poignant verse. Blending historical fact with creative intuition, the film traces Owen's personal journey, revealing the transformation of a vulnerable young man to an ardent pacifist carving his place in the world through the power of his words.

The film opens with Owen's life in England, delving into his early days of teaching, his struggle with neurasthenia or shell shock, and his atypical journey into the world of poetry. The movie seamlessly interweaves these early life events with Owen's time in the war, providing a detailed backdrop that shapes the poet's transformation into one of the most influential poets of his generation.

Sid Phoenix brilliantly embodies the role of Siegfried Sassoon, another eminent war poet and Owen's mentor. Their relationship provides some of the most gripping sequences of the film. The bond they shared, the mentorship Sassoon provided, and the joint disdain they felt for the horrors of war, painting a compelling narrative picture, forms the film's emotional core.

Joyce Branagh, another commendable talent, graces the screen as Susan Owen, Wilfred’s mother. She brings to life the heart-wrenching portrayal of a worried mother, nurturing but fretful, deceptively strong yet vulnerable - a true testament to the spirit of countless mothers who bid their sons goodbye as they marched off to the war.

The screenplay of 'The Burying Party' is treated creatively with fragmented narration, interspersed with Owen's poetry. The film deftly handles the narrative, offering viewers intuitive insights into the mental and emotional turmoil Owen underwent. It smoothly transitions between high-stakes war scenes to quiet moments of reflection, maintaining the thematic gravitas throughout.

The film is significant not just for its narrative but also the technical competence. The cinematography is stunning, showcasing a vivid representation of the tribulations of war. It visually navigates through the patches of the harsh and grim conditions of the trenches, back to the serene landscapes of England, often doused with Owen's stirring poems in the backdrop.

Apart from its brilliant representation of Owen's life, the film beautifully weaves in larger socio-political narratives of World War I. It cleverly brings to contrast the romantic idea of the war, the gallantry and heroism attached to it, with the disheartening reality of death, loss, and trauma. It brings forth the futility and disillusionment of war through stark realism, making it relevant even in contemporary contexts.

The direction of the movie is commendable for its seamless merging of historical accuracy and narrative creativity. 'The Burying Party' provides a magnified view into Owen's world, diving deeper than his influential wartime verse to depict the human behind it. It celebrates the human spirit that, against all hardships, strives to voice its outcry against injustice.

Finally, 'The Burying Party' gifts its audience with pleasing and thoughtful closure, wrapping up the life of Owen with a fitting tribute. It gives audiences an opportunity to connect and reflect upon the brutalities of war, illustrating the power of poetic art steeped in harsh reality.

In conclusion, The Burying Party is a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the life and works of Wilfred Owen, skillfully bringing to light the grim reality of war, the raw emotions attached to it, and the power of poetry as a medium to express these realities. The film provides an immersive, thought-provoking journey into the world and mind of Owen, capturing not just the tragedy of war, but also the profound sense of humanity that persistently echoes through Owen's poetry. The Burying Party stands as a memorable exploration of war, poetry, and the enduring human spirit against adversities.