The Go Between

The Go Between is a gripping 2015 drama film directed by Pete Travis and produced by Claire Bennett, released by the BBC. Featuring an ensemble cast headed by award-winning veteran actor Jim Broadbent, alongside promising talents Jack Hollington and Samuel Joslin, this film adaptation of the L.P. Hartley novel of the same name engages viewers with a narrative full of intrigue, class distinction, and love fraught with obstacles.

Set against the backdrop of the sun-soaked Norfolk countryside in Britain at the turn of the twentieth century, the storyline is constructed on a framework of reminiscences by the protagonist, Leo Colston, played by Jim Broadbent. The film masterfully alternates between two time periods - the present, where Leo, an aged man, grapples with the ghosts of his past, and the past, where his younger self (engagingly portrayed by Jack Hollington) navigates the rigid social customs and painful intricacies of first love and betrayal.

Leo’s life changes dramatically when, as a young boy, he is invited to the opulent country estate of his schoolmate Marcus Maudsley, played by Samuel Joslin. The Maudsleys belong to the aristocracy, providing Leo, the son of a somewhat middle-class widow, a glimpse into an entirely new world with its own set of rules and expectations.

His vacation takes an unexpected turn when he is unwittingly recruited as a messenger - a 'go-between' - for Marcus's lovely, enigmatic elder sister Marian (Joanna Vanderham) and a local farmer, Ted Burgess (Ben Batt). Their love affair, supposed to be a carefully guarded secret due to their class differences, gradually unfolds through brief, clandestine messages Leo carries between them.

The film explores Leo's coming-of-age tale as he navigates this adult world of passion and deceit, providing us with a snapshot of his loss of innocence. Jack Hollington delivers a remarkable performance portraying the complex emotions of Leo - from his curiosity, bewilderment and willingness to please to his eventual awakening to the disillusioning realities of life.

Jim Broadbent, as the older Leo, brings another layer to the character. Haunted by memories, his interpretation of the character is poignant and melancholy, reflecting years of experiences and wisdom clouded by the painful past of a summer long-gone. His scenes are reminiscent, regretful, and carried out with the award-winning actor's signature panache.

The supporting roles in The Go Between are engaging and masterfully executed. Joanna Vanderham’s portrayal of Marian, a young woman divided between her passion for a forbidden love and societal expectations, endows her character with grace and depth. The contrast between her desire for true love and the inevitability of a class-determined future illustrates the conflicts many women of her time faced.

Other notable performances include Lesley Manville’s portrayal of the steadfast, class-conscious Mrs. Maudsley and Stephen Campbell Moore as the distinguished Viscount Trimingham, the suitor favored by Marian's family. Ben Batt's performance as Ted Burgess, the embodiment of raw masculinity and wholly uninhibited passion, also stands out, providing a stark contrast to the aristocratic refinement embodied by the Maudsleys.

The cinematography of The Go Between is striking, effortlessly capturing the beauty and tranquility of the English countryside, which provides a compelling backdrop to the simmering passions hidden behind the facades of Victorian propriety. The sunlit landscapes, beautifully captured, serve as a metaphorical representation of the romantic, naïve view of the world held by the young Leo.

Furthermore, the film is a detailed exploration of the stringent class system of the time and its influence on personal relationships. It sheds light on the societal norms and patriarchal rules governing the lives of men and women alike.

In conclusion, The Go Between is a beautifully crafted period drama that masterfully combines elements of romance, coming-of-age, and social commentary. Featuring memorable performances from a talented cast, the film is sure to enthrall viewers seeking a poignant exploration of love, class struggle, and the loss of innocence.