Review of Albert Nobbs (2011) by Stephen S — 03 Feb 2012

Albert Nobbs is a delicate and enthralling drama of sexual and gender identity. Set in 19th century Ireland, Albert Nobbs centers on a woman who is posing as a male butler named Albert in a Dublin hotel.

And it's not just any woman. Glenn Close portrays Albert with remarkable restraint and grace. She has quite a history with the role, having played Albert in its 1982 off-Broadway run, from the play by George Moore.

She displays amazing range, imbuing Albert with intelligence, wit and energy. Ditto Janet McTeer, who is astonishing as Hubert, a house painter who is also posing as a man, and she's taken it further by procuring a wife.

But Albert stays hidden, and dreams of one day owning her own shop, with a woman running the counter. Hubert gives Albert newfound courage though, and so he/she attempts to court a hotel maid (Mia Wasikowska).

Directed with grace and skill by Rodrigo Garcia (Mother and Child), this is a film that gets under your skin and into your head. It's a keeper.