Watch The Servant

The Servant is a British drama film from 1963 directed by Joseph Losey, starring Dirk Bogarde, Sarah Miles, and Wendy Craig. The movie is based on a novel by Robin Maugham and explores the themes of class, power, and identity. The story revolves around Tony, a wealthy and handsome bachelor living in London, who hires a new servant named Barrett. Initially, Tony is impressed by Barrett's efficiency, but soon he realizes that the servant has a sinister agenda. Barrett slowly infiltrates Tony's life, taking control of his household and undermining his relationships with his girlfriend, Susan, and his friend, George.

As the story progresses, the power dynamic between Tony and Barrett starts to shift, and it becomes apparent that the servant has his own plans for Tony's life. The film is a psychological thriller that is both atmospheric and tense, with a palpable sense of unease running throughout.

The performance of Dirk Bogarde as Barrett is the standout element of the film. He is charismatic and manipulative, playing his character with a quiet intensity that is both captivating and unsettling. Sarah Miles, who plays Tony's girlfriend, Susan, gives a convincing performance, portraying the character as both strong-willed and vulnerable.

The movie's production design is also noteworthy, with the sets and costumes evoking the fashion and decor of 1960s London. The cinematography is striking, too, featuring stylized images that are both beautiful and eerie.

As the movie progresses, the audience is drawn into the power struggle between Tony and Barrett, with each character vying for the upper hand. Their relationship is complex, with Tony oscillating between trusting Barrett and suspecting him of malevolent intentions. The film deftly explores the theme of class, with Barrett using his social skills to manipulate Tony, a man from a higher class.

Although the movie was released in 1963, the themes it explores are timeless and remain relevant today. The Servant is a gripping and thought-provoking movie that offers an insightful commentary on human nature and social power structures.

In conclusion, The Servant is a classic British drama film from 1963 that offers a suspenseful and unsettling exploration of power, relationships, and identity. The standout performance of Bogarde, the stylish production design, and the atmospheric cinematography make this movie a must-watch for fans of psychological thrillers.

The Servant is a 1963 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received outstanding reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8 and a MetaScore of 94.