The Sense of an Ending is one of those Dramas that can leave you completely speechless. Overall it is an emotional search that is felt by every one of us at some point in our lives, regardless if you want to admit it or not. Jim Broadbent finds himself amongst a cast of old and new faces that leaves you with mixed feelings about his life and your own.

For those who don’t know this is a book adaptation with a few changes for the big screen. Tony Webster, played by Jim Broadbent, receives a reminder from his past bringing it back and it forces him to confront his actions head on. He seeks the support of his ex-wife Margret, Harriet Walter, as he becomes more involved with his ex-flame Veronica, Charlotte Rampling. The on screen relationship between these 3 has its various ups and down but works out the way it needs to be which is amazing because you can really feel their combined experience. Although they didn’t physically work together too much this appears to be reflected by their younger counter parts played by Billy Howle and Freya Mavor.

The biggest critique I have of this film is the “bad event” doesn’t feel as devastating as it is made out to be. Either make it cataclysmically life changing for the main character or don’t mention it at all. Without saying too much, I’m sure if I found out important information I would react greater to it. Granted, it does have some effect, heck it causes him to change his attitude and hopefully his future but I feel it could have more affect if it was shown to be bigger.

Part of the reason that The Sense of an Ending allows you to become so emotionally involved is how natural it feels. No characters seem to be stretched beyond belief. The style it is film in, the streets, the music, it all blends perfectly together to invite you in and the more I watch the trailer, even if I went to see it a second time, I’m sure I would find myself enjoying it more. In that respects it reminds me of The Theory of Everything which, looking at it, is a true story and is natural.

Overall The Sense of an Ending is a beautiful film. It encourages an insightful look at ones own life, hopefully for the better. If you were looking for something simple to watch with a friend, although probably not first date material, this would be perfect evening. I highly recommend taking the time to watch it if this is your genre of film.

THE SENSE OF AN ENDING IS IN UK CINEMAS NOW