“My Policeman”: A review
Written by Abby Chadwick. Photo courtesy of IMDb.
“My Policeman” has been one of the most anticipated films among Savannah Film Fest audiences, mainly because of the lead actor, Harry Styles. The film tells the story of the intertwined relationships between policeman Tom, school teacher Marion and museum curator Patrick. They all live in Brighton, England.
Tom and Marion meet thanks to mutual friends and eventually find themselves in a blossoming relationship. However, what Marion doesn’t know is that Patrick, who she believes to be the couple’s closest friend, is actually in a secret affair with Tom. The film flips between the present-day versions of the characters and their younger selves in the 1950s, a time when same-sex relationships were a reason for imprisonment.
While the film tells such an emotional story about the pain and regret of wasted time, I believe its execution fell short due to the lack of chemistry between the lead actors. Although the movie is almost two hours long, the constant flips between the past and present and the quick pacing of key events make it hard for the audience to emotionally connect with the characters. Tom, Marion and Patrick move through the story with almost no emotional response. The bright and jovial setting in the 1950s contrasts greatly with the film’s melancholic story, making the viewing experience mildly confusing at times.
I was disappointed in the actors’ performances and the overall pacing of the film. More importantly, I do still believe that the plot and the message of this story are necessary and deserve to be told. It recounts the mistreatment of queer relationships and shares the truth that it is never too late to find your way in life. Harry Styles might not deserve an Oscar, but I commend him and every other person who worked on this film for making this story a part of their lives and the lives of anyone who views it.
