About On Chesil Beach

"On Chesil Beach" is a deeply moving and searingly unsentimental drama film about young love and the unplumbed depths of the past that can tragically influence the present. The movie recounts the tale of Florence and Edward, two young lovers in the summer of 1962. Their idyllic dreams of marital bliss sour as inexperience, social pressure, and the suffocating expectations of post-war England conspire to tear them apart.

Making / Production

The film, directed by Dominic Cooke and adapted from Ian McEwan's acclaimed 2007 novella of the same title, brilliantly captures the tension and passion of two virgins' first night together. The production convincingly transports the audience back to the 1960s and the British coast. Notably, the movie was filmed on location in London, Oxford and at Chesil Beach, Dorset, adding an extra layer of authenticity and engagement to the storytelling.

Actors

• Saoirse Ronan portrays Florence Ponting, showcasing her ability to present a complex and incredibly moving portrayal of a young woman stifled by societal expectations.
• Billy Howle as Edward Mayhew provides a deeply nuanced performance capturing both the romantic passion and frustrated vulnerability of his character.
• Supporting actors such as Emily Watson, Samuel West, and Anne-Marie Duff lent depth and emotional gravity to their respective roles.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The novel upon which the film is based is considered to be one of the best books published this century, and upon its release, Ian McEwan was praised for a masterful literary work.
• "On Chesil Beach" was directed by a former National Theatre Director, Dominic Cooke, making his feature film debut.
• The film is set in 1962, the year before Betty Friedan’s The Feminine Mystique was published, catalyzing the second wave of feminism.

Awards

Although "On Chesil Beach" did not win, but it was nominated for prestigious awards: It was nominated for the Cinema for Peace Award for Most Valuable Movie of the Year, and Saoirse Ronan was nominated for Best Actress by the British Independent Film Awards.

Quotes

• "This is the emotional punch I thought I'd get from the entire film....Saoirse was excellent." - Edward.
• "It's wicked to tell such lies about people you don't know." - Florence.

• The Score for "On Chesil Beach" was composed by Dan Jones, known for his strong ability to place music in narrative context.
• Featured music includes works from Schubert, Mozart, Delibes, Bach, Elgar, with performances by Esther Yoo, Stephanie Gonley, Raphael Wallfisch and the English Chamber Orchestra.