W.E.

Jeri Jacquin, Movie Maven

Opening in theatres this Friday from director Madonna and the Weinstein Company comes a love story of the ages with “W.E.”.

This film tells the story of Wally Winthrop (Abbie Cornish), a woman living a life that doesn’t quite fit her with husband William (Richard Coyle). Once she worked in the auction house world and finds herself drawn to it again as the exhibit King Edward VIII (James D’Arcy) and American Wallis Simpson (Andrea Riseborough).

Biding the hours going through the belongings for auction, Wally meets security guard Evgeni (Oscar Issac). Day after day she visits and they become good friends, at the same time the story of King Edward and the woman he gave up the throne for is told.

As their lives intermingle, Wally loses herself in an abusive marriage as Wallis loses herself in one of the greatest love stories the world believes they know.

FINAL WORD: Cornishs’ character is sad with a face that longs for something more than she can bear. Discovering that she isn’t being true to herself and life there is a metamorphosis that happens right before the viewer’s eyes. From beginning to the very end it is a change that the viewer hopes for.

Riseborough is amazing as Wallis Simpson. There are so many mannerisms and characteristics that were interesting to see come to life. She also has a longing that she continually tries to fulfill, always wanting more until more becomes the cage she spends her life trying to avoid.

D’Arcy is charming as Edward until he also looses himself in what he wants and what’s best for his country. Coyle as husband William, is callous and abusive which disguises under his job as a doctor.

Issac is lovely as Evgeni who has the ability to not only love life, but show Wally that it is also possible for her. He made me laugh and smile in the middle of couples both then and now losing the best of themselves.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give “W.E.” three tubs of popcorn out of five. This is a lovely period piece with its costumes, hair and surroundings. It is all quite elegant at absolutely adds to the authenticity of the film.

Telling the story of the love and eventual abdication of King Edward was well done and didn’t try to hide all the potential problems he and Wallis faced. It is an interesting interpretation between Edward and his brother Bertie that I hadn’t seen or heard before.

In the end – the truth behind the greatest love story ever told.