“Friends may come, friends may go. Enemies are always faithful.” Releasing in cinemas next week, BENEDICTION explores the turbulent life of First World War poet, Siegfried Sassoon, through the eyes of the revered filmmaker Terence Davies (‘The Deep Blue Sea, Sunset Song, A Quiet Passion’). The film stars Jack Lowden (‘Dunkirk)’ ‘Slow Horses’) and Peter Capaldi as the younger and older Sassoon.
A complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War, Siegfried Sassoon (Jack Lowden / Peter Capaldi), a soldier decorated for his bravery on the battlefield, became a vocal critic of the government’s continuation of the war when he returned from service. Legendary still today for his poetry inspired by his experiences on the Western Front, he was adored by both members of the aristocracy as well as stars of London’s literary and theatre scene. He embarked on affairs with several high-profile men as he attempted to come to terms with his homosexuality, whilst at the same time, broken by the horrors of war, his life’s journey became a quest for salvation.