Hey folks! Alright, let’s dive into “Bright Star”, directed by Jane Campion. First off, this one’s for the poetry lovers and romantics at heart. Set in 19th century England, it zeroes in on the love story between John Keats and Fanny Brawne. And when I say love story, I mean the kind of heart-wrenching, soul-stirring romance that leaves you reaching for tissues.

Visually, the film is like a painting—every frame meticulously crafted. Campion really knows how to use natural light; the scenes are bathed in this soft, almost ethereal glow, reminding me a bit of those summer evenings in Skåne. I swear, you can almost smell the flowers and feel the fabric of Fanny’s intricate dresses. The cinematography…well, it’s like someone took a pastoral poem and brought it to life.

Ben Whishaw’s portrayal of Keats is so hauntingly delicate. His vulnerability seeps through the screen, making you feel every pang of his unspoken words. And Abbie Cornish as Fanny—she’s brilliant. She captures that mix of spunk and sorrow perfectly. Honestly, their chemistry kinda reminds me of those intense crushes from high school—felt very real, ya know?

That said, it’s not all roses. The pacing is, shall we say, deliberate. Sometimes I found myself getting a bit restless, like during a long, drawn-out fika with too much small talk and not enough kanelbullar, if you get what I mean. Also, the focus on their relationship leaves little room for other interesting aspects of Keats’ life, which feels a bit narrow.

But here’s the thing—if you’re into period dramas, poetry, and tragic love, this film is like a beautifully bound book you won’t mind reading again. It’s not perfect, but what love story is, right?

Quick side note: some of the themes of longing and unrequited love made me think of that summer I spent working in a little bookstore in Gothenburg. There was this girl who’d come in every other day and browse the poetry section. I never had the guts to talk to her, and I’ll always kinda wonder, you know? Ah, ungdomens sweet ache.

So, if you’re up for a visual and emotional treat, check out the trailer here: Bright star