Period biographical drama based on the memoirs of Vera Brittain, starring Alicia Vikander and Kit Harington. Spring, 1914: free-spirited Vera Brittain is determined to study at Oxford and become a writer despite her parents' opposition. But when war is declared later that year, her hopes are dashed as her brother Edward and his friend Roland Leighton enlist. Vera decides to volunteer to become a nurse and before long, she is heading to the Front.
The futility of war is explored from a female perspective in this moving period drama based on the memoir by Vera Brittain (mother of pioneering politician Shirley Williams). Alicia Vikander stars as Brittain, whose dream of becoming a writer is crushed by the outbreak of the First World War. When her dashing fiancé (Kit Harington) volunteers to join the fight, she decides to postpone her studies and serve as a voluntary aid detachment nurse. The feature debut of documentarian James Kent is beautifully shot and features a dazzling supporting cast including Emily Watson, Miranda Richardson and Dominic West. But it's the hugely engaging Vikander who makes it so watchable.
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Vera Brittain | Alicia Vikander |
| Roland Leighton | Kit Harington |
| Edward Brittain | Taron Egerton |
| Mrs Brittain | Emily Watson |
| Hope Milroy | Hayley Atwell |
| Victor Richardson | Colin Morgan |
| Mr Brittain | Dominic West |
| Aunt Belle | Joanna Scanlan |
| Miss Lorimer | Miranda Richardson |
| Winifred Holtby | Alexandra Roach |
| Mrs Leighton | Anna Chancellor |
| Betty | Charlotte Hope |
| role | name |
|---|---|
| Director | James Kent |
