The Duke (2021)

Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren are two performers I tend to follow and give any production they are in a try. This is yet another movie based on actual events. I have nothing against that obviously if it is well done, but as someone who writes novels I am sometimes tempted to ask if production companies could support screenwriters who write pure fiction a bit more often. But that observation takes nothing away from this production. Broadbent is good throughout, especially when he charms the jury in a courtroom scene, which is nearly worth watching the movie all by itself. Helen Mirren disappears into her role as the almost crumpled housewife and does a great job. The film held my interest and I didn’t see the slight twist in the plot coming, though it feels right once it is revealed. I will be willing to watch the movie again if the opportunity arises, which for me is what separates the adequate programming from the truly entertaining.