[A] deeply affecting adaptation of the acclaimed Terence Rattigan play...

Now a new film of the play appears, adapted and directed by Terence Davies with Rachel Weisz in that stellar [Hester Collyer] role and with Rattigan's work in a freshening treatment.

The movie is an exquisite period piece, slow and dank, and unduly persuaded that it's rendering a classic.

Weisz's performance raises the tension even in its most subdued moments, though, to ensure an artful character study of someone unwilling to compromise or apologize for staying true to themselves.