‘Benediction’ tells story of World War I poet Siegfried Sassoon – watch the trailer!

The first trailer has arrived for upcoming Siegfried Sassoon biopic Benediction.

Written and directed by Terence Davies (A Quiet Passion, Sunset Song), the new movie explores the life of First World War poet and soldier Siegfried Sassoon.

The film stars Jack Lowden (War & Peace, The Long Song) and Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who) as the younger and older version of Sassoon.

Here’s the trailer:

 

Siegfried Sassoon was born in 1886 and became one of the leading poets of World War I. He died in 1967.

The brilliant cast of Benediction also includes Jeremy Irvine (War Horse), Calam Lynch (Mrs Wilson), Simon Russell Beale (Mary Queen of Scots), Ben Daniels (The Crown), Anton Lesser (Endeavour), and Geraldine James (Downton Abbey).

They’re joined by Kate Phillips (Wolf Hall), who returns later this year in a second season of Miss Scarlet and The Duke.

The official synopsis reads: “A complex man who survived the horrors of fighting in the First World War, Siegfried Sassoon, a soldier decorated for his bravery on the battlefield, became a vocal critic of the government’s continuation of the war when he returned from service.

“Legendary still today for his poetry inspired by his experiences on the Western Front, he was adored by both members of the aristocracy as well as stars of London’s literary and theatre scene.

“He embarked on affairs with several high-profile men as he attempted to come to terms with his homosexuality, whilst at the same time, broken by the horrors of war, his life’s journey became a quest for salvation.”

We’ve also got two clips for you here:

 

 

Benediction will be released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on Friday 20th May.

It’s set to arrive in US cinemas for a limited release on Friday 3rd June.

The movie first premiered at the BFI London Film Festival last year, with Variety calling it “heartbreaking … with a tremendous star turn by Jack Lowden.”

The War Poems of Siegfried Sassoon book is available on Amazon.