The romance is sweet and convincing, but the editing and direction are so clumsy and artless it loses almost all of its spark. The plot also spends way too much time and energy on uninteresting elements. A shame, although Hawkins is excellent as always.

Nice adaptation of the novel, which loses some of its impact thanks to the different structure (telling us both backstories from the beginning) and sanitises the characters a little too much. But still, nice.

There is a very fine story hidden in this film, in the thicket of a romance subtly explored by Hawkins and Cassidy. These two are excellent together, and their awkward yearnings form the heart of this film. The film has a wonderful shift in perspective halfway through that really opens up the world. However, the production value of this film is less than wonderful, and the pacing lurches awkwardly, stranding its audience in tedious doldrums before racing past intriguing revelations.

First part is good; second half is messy and somewhat contrived. Pretty good all the way through, though.