The Edge of Love (2009) - Movie Review

In The Edge of Love, Keira Knightley and Sienna Miller share a husband - sort of - until they don't. This complex love story has its intriguing moments and strong performances, but it fails to click in a meaningful way.

The Edge of Love follows Vera, a fiercely independent woman who forms a strong bond with Caitlin (Miller) and her husband Dylan (Matthew Rhys). Dylan, who once had feelings for Vera, finds his attraction strengthened when Vera marries William (Cillian Murphy). When William is sent off to war, it's Vera's turn to shift her attention to Dylan, putting her friendship with Caitlin at risk. And when William returns, tensions elevate to a dangerous level.

Set during World War II and starring Keira Knightley, The Edge of Love recalled memories of Atonement, my favorite movie of 2007. Unfortunately, this immediately puts The Edge of Love at a disadvantage - though even if the comparison weren't valid, which it really isn't, the movie fails to inspire.

The story and concept are sound, and the performances are pretty good. Miller, and especially Knightley, are very good in their respective roles. Unfortunately, neither of the men are given much to do, and the one-sided approach to the story doesn't make for very dynamic storytelling. Complemented by quasi-amateurish filmmaking by John Maybury (who also directed the questionable The Jacket), the picture just lacks the execution it needed.

The Edge of Love is interesting at times, but the direction is distracting and the story feels incomplete. The movie works scene by scene, but as a whole, there is definitely no synergy. There's a reason why The Edge of Love is only receiving a limited March release.

This movie is lonely because people have neglected it and not written kind things about it. Please help this movie feel better about itself and write a comment or review now.

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