Review of Their Finest (2017) by Reuben M — 05 Nov 2018

THEIR FINEST is certainly a film that I nearly missed. It played at a local theater for two weeks. I had never heard of it...and frankly, if I hadn't seen the poster of it and noticed Bill Nighy, I might never have been aware of its existence. I am SO glad that I researched and found out a little more, because it is a delightful film.

It tells the story of the film making industry in Britain during WWII. These artists and craftspeople are employed by the government to produce films to bolster morale. Yes, propaganda. By chance, Gemma Arterton finds out that the industry is struggling with writing convincing, compelling female characters (and women are likely a larger proportion of the audience for these films, as many of the men are off fighting). She has some natural writing skills and manages to get hired (for a lot less money and no credit). She needs the job, because her "husband" (see the movie to understand the quotes) is an unemployed and probably unemployable painter.

The film amusingly portrays her travails, as she tries to fit in and be taken seriously. She develops an interest in one of her colleagues (Sam Ciaflin) and also manages to ingratiate herself, eventually, with Bill Nighy, who plays a former movie star who just can't understand that he's no longer a leading man! The film has a light touch, but the seriousness of the war and the work they are doing is not overlooked. Eventually, they are assigned a "big budget" movie...they are to make a film about two sisters who were heroes during Dunkirk. This requires some locations shooting, and more work than usual. The stress mounts, as the story is clearly of great importance (and the truth needs to be bent just so).

So the film has the light tone of an older British comedy, with some modern flairs. It is romantic, funny, sad, engaging and interesting. The scenes of making the movie are often laugh-out-loud funny. It's not a masterpiece, but its entirely engaging and enjoyable, and tells an unusual story that shouldn't get lost to history. Gemma Arterton is very charming and shows a lightness that I've not seen in her before. Bill Nighy is, of course, the epitome of droll. He just doesn't let audiences down when it comes to comedy. The rest of the cast is also quite enjoyable, with the exception of Ciaflin, who just isn't a great actor. He has a certain level of charm...but lacks subtlety and range.

In this movie-season, I would highly recommend this film as a follow-up to the deservedly acclaimed DUNKIRK. That film is gripping, tense, loud and exciting. See it, then wait about three days and watch THEIR FINEST. It's an unlikely companion-piece, but also just right, I think. But regardless, I highly recommend the film.