Watch The Laureate

The Laureate is a biographical drama film released in 2021. The movie stars Laura Haddock as the British author and poet Robert Graves, with Julian Glover portraying the role of his father, and Dianna Agron as his muse, Laura Riding. The Laureate is set in the early 1920s and follows the extraordinary life of Robert Graves, who was known for his influential poetry, his historical fiction, and his personal life. He was a contemporary of writers such as T.S. Eliot and Ezra Pound and was renowned for his contributions to the development of modernist poetry.

The film opens with Graves as a young man, studying literature at Oxford University. Despite his passion for writing, Graves struggles to make a name for himself in the literary scene. However, his fortunes change when he meets the brilliant and enigmatic Laura Riding.

Riding is a young American poet and writer who quickly becomes Graves' muse and lover. The two embark on a tumultuous relationship that is fueled by their shared passion for writing and their desire to change the literary world.

As Graves' career takes off, he finds himself struggling with his personal life. His relationship with Riding is intense, with both of them struggling to balance their passion for each other with their own creative ambitions. The film portrays their relationship with sensitivity and nuance, and it is a testament to the acting talents of both Haddock and Agron.

Glover's portrayal of Graves' father adds another layer of depth to the film. Graves' father is a respected writer himself but disapproves of his son's career choices. The tension between the two adds an interesting element to the film's exploration of creativity, family, and the way that art intersects with personal identity.

The Laureate is a beautifully shot film with stunning cinematography. The film captures the world of the 1920s with elegance and grace, and the stark contrast between the bustle of London and the peaceful English countryside serves as a backdrop to the drama that unfolds.

The film also features an excellent supporting cast, with actors such as Tom Hughes and Sam Reid delivering stellar performances. Hughes plays the role of Robert's best friend, while Reid portrays the American poet Ezra Pound.

Overall, The Laureate is a heartfelt and poignant exploration of the life and work of one of the most significant writers of the early 20th century. The film's sensitive portrayal of Graves' relationships and his creative journey make it a must-watch for anyone interested in literature, history, or the creative process.

The Laureate is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 50.