A heart-wrenching story about a lovelorn teen (Robert Pattinson) and his quest for love. Based on Sylvia Plath’s iconic poem, this 2019 adaptation of Little Ashes is brought to you by The Weinstein Company. The movie’s stellar cast also includes Carey Mulligan, Jack Quaid, and Elizabeth Taylor’s great-granddaughter, Gigi LaBau. It’s already been a popular year for teen-centered romances, but Little Ashes is an exceptional addition to the genre. It’s both heartbreaking and inspiring, a story about love and loss that you will feel and remember.
The Cinematography Is Breathtaking
There are so many beautiful moments in Little Ashes—from the dark and stormy night sky to candlelit dinners and sunsets—but the one that will stick with you the most is the cinematography. Director Roger Michell (The Devil Wears Prada, Notting Hill) captures the essence of melancholy and the romance of the seasons with an incredible eye for detail. The colors, the light, the compositions… everything exudes an otherworldly sensuousness. And the performances are phenomenal too.
The Cast Is Outstanding
The entire cast of Little Ashes is completely captivating. From the troubled and lonely teen (Pattinson) to the four-leaf clover-shaped earrings (Jackie) that he pines for throughout the film, everyone is on point. It’s rare to find a cast this uniformly excellent in an adaptation, but there you have it. What’s more, like many of this year’s acclaimed titles, Little Ashes is incredibly accessible. There’s something for everyone.
It’s A Coming-Of-Age Story
At first blush, Little Ashes might seem like an uninspired retelling of a well-trodden story. But hold on a minute. This is a movie about finding one’s way in the world and growing up, and it’s absolutely infused with a sense of romance. For those who love a good romance, it’s the perfect opportunity to cry and watch a beautiful film. For the rest of us, it’s a moving and heartfelt story that will stay with you long after viewing.
It’s important to point out that even though this is a romantic story, it’s also a coming-of-age tale that examines the struggles of growing up and entering the adult world. The lines between childhood and adolescence can be blurry, so even if you’re not typically associated with romantic stories, there’s something here for you.
It Makes Me Vulnerable
Another thing that makes Little Ashes so special is that it makes you feel a little bit unprotected. You’re watching two people grow and change before your very eyes, and it’s heartbreaking in the best way. It’s a story about a boy who desperately wants to be a man, but he’s still a boy inside. It’s a tale of romance and sorrow that makes you feel like a little bit of a bystander, an enigma watching the secret unfold beneath your very nose.
It’s An Important Work That Needs To Be Seen
Last but not least, let’s talk about the importance of this film. Little Ashes is an important film not just because it’s a must-see for fans of Robert Pattinson and Sylvia Plath, but because it’s an important movie. One that you must see and treasure for the lessons it imparts. This is one to watch and rewatch, to study and learn from. This is a movie of self-discovery that you must see to truly understand.
As a director, Roger Michell imparts a powerful sense of place in his films. You feel as if you’re there, in London or Venice or even on a distant coastline. And you almost believe that the people are just like you, in terms of the struggles they face. It’s as if he brings the outside in and makes you feel as if you’re right there, with all the drama and beauty that entails. This is a talent that deserves to be celebrated, and it’s clear that Michell is aware of this. He’s one of the great chroniclers of love and heartbreak, and he weaves a spell around you to draw you in and keep you there. It’s no wonder that this is one of the most popular movies of the year so far. As for the rest of us, it’s time to feel a little less alone in our world. Little Ashes will always be here to remind us that there’s beauty and joy to be found in sorrow.