The Letters

The Letters, released in 2014, acts as a biographical retelling of the life of Nobel Peace Prize nominee Mother Teresa. The film features a strong lead performance by Juliet Stevenson, with supporting roles effectively portrayed by Rutger Hauer and Max von Sydow. This moderated drama, directed by William Riead, adopts a compassionate approach to narrate the selfless life of an iconic woman whose humanitarian efforts in the slums of Calcutta continue to resound in the world today.

The narrative revolves around the life of the young Roman Catholic nun, Agnes Bojaxhiu, vividly portrayed by Juliet Stevenson, who later became universally renowned as Mother Teresa. The movie captures her journey starting from the remote areas of Loretto order in Ireland to India, where she teaches at the Loretto convent school in Darjeeling. Her life takes a profound turn when she experiences what she identifies as “the call within the call” to devote herself to caring for the sick and poor. Consequently, she moves to Calcutta, where she battles against rambling social and political forces in an effort to establish the Missionaries of Charity.

The Letters prominently features the various phases of Teresa's life, covering 50 years of her unyielding service in India. Despite the relentless struggle and the biting hardships, Agnes’s journey unfurls her unwavering faith and relentless commitment to her cause, making her one of the most revered figures of the 20th century.

The director uses an inventive framing device to enhance the narrative. The story is told through a series of letters written by Mother Teresa to her longtime friend and spiritual advisor, Celeste van Exem, played by Max von Sydow. These letters are a central part of the framework, offering a vastly personal, introspective gaze into Teresa's life, her faith, and her unshaken service to humanity.

The film further explores the private struggles of Mother Teresa that remained largely unknown during her lifetime, including her crisis of faith. These challenges bring depth and grounds the ethereal figure of Teresa, humanizing her in front of the audience. Her chronicled words, voiced by Juliet Stevenson in a poignant tone, unveil the unseen spiritual darkness, loneliness, and inner struggles she faced while tirelessly serving the impoverished.

Juliet Stevenson delivers an absorbing portrayal of one of the most selfless souls of our time. She skillfully captures Teresa's essence, echoing her unwavering will to serve the poorest of poor, and her emotional turmoil, offering a nuanced interpretation of the character.

Supporting performances by Rutger Hauer and Max von Sydow add to the film's strength. Hauer plays Benjamin Praagh, a Vatican priest assigned the task of investigating Mother Teresa’s possible canonization. Meanwhile, von Sydow embodies the breadth of Father Celeste van Exem, lending solid support to Stevenson with their on-screen camaraderie, and bridging the narrative arc with his character's deep connection with Teresa.

The Letters, while presenting a heavy narrative, also exhibits the vibrant Indian culture and the aura of Calcutta with an immersive lens, courtesy of the resplendent visual storytelling. The production design complements the narrative, offering a vivid exposure of the grim realities of destitute living conditions juxtaposed with the colorful Indian landscape.

To sum it up, The Letters is a compelling narrative that explores the journey of a passionate woman with a relentless commitment to serve and uplift humanity. It offers a unique window into her personal struggles, thus painting a more profound, human portrait of Mother Teresa. Bolstered by strong performances, particularly by Stevenson, and enriched by poetic storytelling techniques, The Letters invites viewers to a moving reflection on faith, devotion, and uncompromising service.