movie review of my policeman

an image, when javascript is unavailable

‘My Policeman’ Charts Harry Styles’ Love Triangle. No, Not That One

By Katie Rife

What is it about the English seaside and suppressed yearning? Is it the bracing winds? The overcast skies? The white cliffs and rocky beaches, as bloodless as the emotional lives of characters who are terrified of their heart’s true desires? The beaches of Brighton in My Policeman are slightly sunnier than those of, say, Dorset in 2020’s Ammonite , but the chilling effect is the same.

There are a few points of novelty livening up My Policeman, namely the casting of mega-pop star/fledgling movie star Harry Styles as the title character. He has an endearingly crooked smile, and a face that’s been proven to set hearts aflame. (Just witness the tabloid drama currently surrounding Styles and Olivia Wilde, director of his other big movie role of 2022 .) So he does make a believable apex for the love triangle that drives the story. Beyond embodying a plausible motivation for two people to waste their lives in pursuit of a man they can never really have, however, the “Watermelon Sugar” singer adds little to the dramatic proceedings.

Editor’s picks

Every awful thing trump has promised to do in a second term, the 250 greatest guitarists of all time, the 500 greatest albums of all time, the 50 worst decisions in movie history.

My Policeman uses a handful of narrative contrivances to draw out the tragic backstory behind this gloomy trio’s fraught dynamic. Chief among these is a diary from 40 years ago, which Marion conveniently finds in the box of effects her old friend brought along with him from the hospital. The book details the chance meeting and subsequent romance between a much younger Tom (Harry Styles) and Patrick (David Dawson), which began before Tom started courting Marion ( The Crown ‘s Emma Corrin) and continued after Tom and Marion were married.

Donna Summer's Estate Reaches Settlement With Kanye West Over Alleged 'Theft' of 'I Feel Love'

Sean combs seen kicking and dragging cassie on surveillance video, billie eilish releases highly anticipated third studio album 'hit me hard and soft', 2024 acm awards: the complete winners list, kings of leon ease into a new beginning on 'can we please have fun', how real hitmakers and a boy band bootcamp made nicholas galitzine a pop star in 'the idea of you', louis tomlinson realized 'there's nothing i can do' about fan delusions that he’s dating harry styles.

The word “ordinary” carries a lot of weight here. So does the word “policeman,” which is uttered with hard consonants and, often, a hint of a threat. Director Michael Grandage inserts visual and verbal clues about the class differences — and, therefore, power imbalance — between the two men. Working class Tom drinks beer and falls asleep at classical recitals, while posh Patrick is a scotch-and-opera aesthete. But Tom does have one advantage over Patrick, and that’s the protection afforded him by his uniform and marital status. Tom doesn’t visit underground gay bars, like Patrick does. And if he were to be swept up in a raid at one of these clandestine watering holes, his colleagues could lose the paperwork before his case went to trial.

John Mayer Remembers Bob Saget in Heartfelt Birthday Post: 'I Just Miss You'

Still Mourning
By Tomás Mier

We Have Reached Peak Ryan Reynolds, Movie Star and 21st Century Celebrity

REYNOLDS WRAP
By A.A. Dowd

Kevin Spacey Says #MeToo Movement 'Swung' Far in 'Unfairness' in Rare Interview Amid Allegations

Pendulum Swings
By Charisma Madarang

Jake Gyllenhaal, Bowen Yang Serenade Sabrina Carpenter With 'Board Shorts Summer' in 'SNL' Teaser

Sabrina Night Live

‘The Big Cigar’ Is About Black Panthers Founder Huey P. Newton. But Its Real Message Is: ‘Hollywood, Fuck Yeah!’

power to the (movie) people
By Alan Sepinwall

Most Popular

'mad max' director says 'there's no excuse' for tom hardy and charlize theron's 'fury road' set feud: tom 'had to be coaxed out of his trailer', john krasinski on getting bradley cooper, george clooney, ryan reynolds to join 'if': "most yeses of my career", melania trump confirms her son barron just made a total 180 once again with his future, dj akademiks says he'll take entire industry down if convicted in rape lawsuit, you might also like, paramount global’s top marketing and communications exec, julia phelps, is leaving, hunter mcgrady goes fiery-red in plunging dress for sports illustrated swimsuit issue launch party 2024, the best yoga mats for any practice, according to instructors, ‘oh, canada’ review: paul schrader’s rueful ode to death and regret is as confused as its protagonist, pbr goes live with cbs sports, dr. phil’s merit street media.

Verify it's you

Please log in.

‘My Policeman’ Review: Harry Styles Swings Both Ways as a Bisexual Bobby

Inspired by the private life of 'Maurice' writer E.M. Forster, this tasteful 1950s English romance co-stars Emma Corrin as a mid-century wife married to a man who loves someone else.

By Peter Debruge

Peter Debruge

Chief Film Critic

‘Oh, Canada’ Review: Paul Schrader Separates the Art From the Artist in Prismatic Portrait of a Dying Director 37 mins ago
‘Kinds of Kindness’ Review: Yorgos Lanthimos Keeps You Squirming for Nearly Three Hours in Bizarre, Biting Parody 5 hours ago
‘The Damned’ Review: In His Latest Look at America’s Margins, Roberto Minervini Travels Back to the Civil War 1 day ago

It all starts with a special delivery to a dreary seaside cottage: An invalid arrives at the house of retired policeman Tom (Linus Roache) and his schoolteacher wife Marion (Gina McKee). It was her idea to take in the unpleasant and largely uncooperative Patrick Hazelwood (Rupert Everett, all but unrecognizable), whose presence clearly annoys her husband. Tom wants nothing to do with this troublesome old acquaintance, disappearing for long walks while Marion deals with his demands.

Popular on Variety

“My Policeman” comes alive during its 1950s-set segments, focusing first on the origins of Tom and Marion’s relationship before diving even deeper into the past to reveal how Patrick got there first, hitting the deliciously innocent young cop with the line, “You know, I’m an amateur artist.” When Tom shows up a short time later to be sketched, he’s wearing his full uniform — but not for long. Patrick follows his lead (it’s Tom who makes the first move), and the ensuing sex scenes are tender yet genuine, and they don’t skimp on the nudity, which is somewhat surprising, since the film seems to have been made for audiences who identify with Marion more than either of these men.

What gives that away? Well, so much of the film is told from her point of view, and even the flashbacks — which are fleshed out (so to speak) by what she reads in Patrick’s journals — reflect the naivete with which their marriage began. At the time, Tom struck her as very shy. He’s terribly awkward and not at all enthusiastic in bed (with her). But he proposes marriage, and this feels like the life she wanted, even if it’s all a bit much when Patrick shows up during their honeymoon to cook them a meal and confront Tom in the shed. One of Marion’s friends clearly knows the score, giving the camera a conspiratorial look during the wedding (in a satisfyingly didactic scene that comes later, we learn that she’s a lesbian).

The present-day portion of “My Policeman” is all about what remains unresolved, like the movie “Atonement” with much drearier everything: The sets, costumes and so forth are all perfectly appropriate for the period, just a bit more gray and mothlike than we might want. Alas, the older actors don’t have all that much to do (editor Chris Dickens keeping cutting back to McKee reading), but the younger trio are strong, albeit restrained, in their roles. Corrin, so great as a wife betrayed in “The Crown” (they played Princess Diana), could do this role in their sleep, while Styles has the tricky task of making Tom’s betrayal feel tragic for all involved.

In the end, it’s probably for the best that Roberts decided to fictionalize everything, rather than treating this as Forster’s actual story. Doing so allows the novelist to focus on the poetry of her interpretation rather than the psychology of how relationships actually work. Whether its “Brokeback Mountain” or “My Policeman,” the trouble with straight women writing gay love stories is that they tend to conflate sex and romance — that is, they think of them as love stories — while treating bisexuality as a threat, as opposed to a liberating identity unto itself. There are a lot of people out there who have wives and children at home and lovers on the side (same-sex or otherwise), and this doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re unfulfilled. They may, in fact, be more satisfied than those in heteronormative relationships.

Reviewed at Amazon Studios, Los Angeles, Aug. 26, 2022. In Toronto Film Festival (Special Presentations). MPA Rating: R. Running time: 113 MIN.

Production: (U.K.-U.S.) A Prime Video release of an Amazon Studios presentatino of a Berlanti Schechter Films production, in association with Independent Entertainment, MGC. Producers: Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Robbie Rogers, Cora Palfrey, Philip Herd. Executive producers: Michael Grandage, Michael Riley McGrath, Caroline Levy.
Crew: Director: Michael Grandage. Screenplay: Ron Nyswaner, based on the novel by Bethan Roberts. Camera: Ben Davis. Editor: Chris Dickens. Music: Steven Price.
With: Harry Styles, Emma Corrin, David Dawson, Rupert Everett, Gina McKee, Linus Roache.

More From Our Brands

Here’s how to watch ‘snl’ this weekend without cable, inside a new long island home that puts an american spin on a classic european country house, pbr goes live with cbs sports, dr. phil’s merit street media, the best loofahs and body scrubbers, according to dermatologists, young sheldon ep confirms sheldon still believes that george cheated on mary — and ‘there’s a sadness to that’, verify it's you, please log in.

Log in or sign up for Rotten Tomatoes

Trouble logging in?

By continuing, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes and to receive email from the Fandango Media Brands .

By creating an account, you agree to the Privacy Policy and the Terms and Policies , and to receive email from Rotten Tomatoes.

Email not verified

Let's keep in touch.

Sign up for the Rotten Tomatoes newsletter to get weekly updates on:

Upcoming Movies and TV shows
Trivia & Rotten Tomatoes Podcast
Media News + More

By clicking "Sign Me Up," you are agreeing to receive occasional emails and communications from Fandango Media (Fandango, Vudu, and Rotten Tomatoes) and consenting to Fandango's Privacy Policy and Terms and Policies . Please allow 10 business days for your account to reflect your preferences.

OK, got it!

Movies / TV

No results found.

What's the Tomatometer®?
Login/signup

Movies in theaters

Opening this week
Top box office
Coming soon to theaters
Certified fresh movies

Movies at home

Fandango at Home
Netflix streaming
Prime Video
Most popular streaming movies
What to Watch New

Certified fresh picks

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes Link to Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes
The Fall Guy Link to The Fall Guy
The Last Stop in Yuma County Link to The Last Stop in Yuma County

New TV Tonight

Interview With the Vampire: Season 2
Bridgerton: Season 3
Outer Range: Season 2
Spacey Unmasked: Season 1
After the Flood: Season 1
The Big Cigar: Season 1
The Killing Kind: Season 1
The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon: Season 11.1
Harry Wild: Season 3
RuPaul's Drag Race: All Stars: Season 9

My Policeman Reviews

The overall presentation may be uneven and it won’t be a film that many people will remember or revisit in a few years time. However, I found myself captivated by the tale and that is all I ask with a story like this.

Full Review | Original Score: B- | Mar 1, 2024

Michael Grandage’s gay romance is a heartbreaking delight, even though it won’t win Harry Styles an Oscar.

Full Review | Nov 2, 2023

Despite impeccable credentials, good looking leads, spot-on period details and heart-wrenching love stories, Michael Grandage’s adaptation of a celebrated novel is an inexplicable slog.

Full Review | Oct 4, 2023

My Policeman has the potential to tell an intriguing story about self-acceptance, the freedom of love, and overcoming odds in a time when more representation like this is needed. However, nearly all aspects of it fall flat.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 26, 2023

It's terribly melodramatic. If similar movies like Brokeback Mountain didn’t exist, this film might be more effective. We have examples of better stories with two gay male leads pushing and pulling themselves in an era that didn’t accept their love.

Full Review | Jul 25, 2023

My Policeman would like to paint itself as a sprawling love story that’s sensual, emotional, and nuanced, but it’s a slog. The three main characters are too wrapped up in their own melodrama to have a lasting impact on the audience.

Full Review | Jul 24, 2023

My Policeman is an emotional and visually stunning watch, yet it's average dialogue and surface level exploration stops it from reaching true greatness.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Jul 24, 2023

My Policeman finds itself corseted by a screenplay that doesn't meet expectations. [Full review in Spanish]

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Jun 20, 2023

Dour and flavorless...

Full Review | May 30, 2023

There are some holes in the plot. It seems unlikely this drama would have continued for so many years without confrontations. The actors are all very good and very convincing, and that helps make up for the shortfall in the story.

Full Review | Original Score: C+ | Feb 1, 2023

If nothing else, My Policeman effectively conveys how judgement, prejudice and cowardice is all contingent upon choices and actions. How those actions can change and enhance a life or ruin it for an eternity with an outcome that can not be reversed.

Full Review | Dec 28, 2022

The directing of this novel is very well done. Harry Styles & David Dawson have organic chemistry that is felt even in the older actors portraying them respectfully. In terms of the narrative and progress at times feels overlong, but still keeps you glued

Full Review | Original Score: 7.5/10 | Dec 26, 2022

My Policeman is an objectively well-made film documenting a secret situation that must have been far more common in the 1950s and 1960s than modern-day viewers are capable of knowing

Full Review | Original Score: 6/10 | Dec 22, 2022

Riddled with a miscast leading man, ill-fitting clichés, and a predictable conclusion, the film is a stiff, passionless affair.

Full Review | Dec 7, 2022

The performances are all good, though Styles doesn’t quite have the chops to pull off a couple of Tom’s more demanding emotional scenes...

Full Review | Dec 5, 2022

A finely etched relationship drama set at a time when homosexuality was illegal and violence against them almost became a sport...while it's a good film, it’s not exactly uplifting. Be prepared to get misty-eyed, but don’t fault yourself if you do.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 22, 2022

It’s an extremely ponderous approach and, at first, it’s actually confusing...

Full Review | Nov 17, 2022

It's a screenplay that certainly takes its time. Many in the audience will feel they've worked out the entirety of its plot within the first 15 minutes. For the most part, they're right...

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 16, 2022

It’s Styles over substance.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Nov 16, 2022

Director Michael Grandage does little to interrupt the monotony in failing to make a point beyond how stifling it was to be gay in mid-century England.

Full Review | Original Score: C- | Nov 15, 2022

Common Sense Media

Movie & TV reviews for parents

For Parents
For Educators
Our Work and Impact

Or browse by category:

Get the app
Movie Reviews
Best Movie Lists
Best Movies on Netflix, Disney+, and More

Common Sense Selections for Movies

50 Modern Movies All Kids Should Watch Before They're 12

Best TV Lists
Best TV Shows on Netflix, Disney+, and More
Common Sense Selections for TV
Video Reviews of TV Shows

Best Kids' Shows on Disney+

Best Kids' TV Shows on Netflix

Book Reviews
Best Book Lists
Common Sense Selections for Books

8 Tips for Getting Kids Hooked on Books

50 Books All Kids Should Read Before They're 12

Game Reviews
Best Game Lists

Common Sense Selections for Games

Video Reviews of Games

Nintendo Switch Games for Family Fun

Podcast Reviews
Best Podcast Lists

Common Sense Selections for Podcasts

Parents' Guide to Podcasts

App Reviews
Best App Lists

Social Networking for Teens

Gun-Free Action Game Apps

Reviews for AI Apps and Tools

YouTube Channel Reviews
YouTube Kids Channels by Topic

Parents' Ultimate Guide to YouTube Kids

Explaining the News to Our Kids

Family Tech Planners
Digital Skills
All Articles
Latino Culture
Black Voices
Asian Stories
Native Narratives
LGBTQ+ Pride
Best of Diverse Representation List

Celebrating Black History Month

Movies and TV Shows with Arab Leads

Celebrate Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary

My policeman, common sense media reviewers.

British romantic drama has sex, nudity, homophobia, smoking.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Be honest with yourself and your feelings as this

Tom is a friendly policeman who tries to repress h

A gay romance is at the heart of the movie. The tw

A character is beaten up in prison with the sugges

Sex scenes involving partial nudity. Male nudity f

Language is rare and mild. Includes "bloody hell,"

Lots of smoking both in the 1950s and 1990s period

Positive Messages

Be honest with yourself and your feelings as this will help avoid hurting others and yourself. However, this lesson is learned the hard way in the film. Sometimes you need to let people go and live their own lives. Homophobia is shown by some.

Positive Role Models

Tom is a friendly policeman who tries to repress his sexuality. However, he soon begins a relationship with Patrick, a museum curator, who despite having to hide the fact that he is gay for fear of being arrested, is much more at ease with his sexuality. Despite this loving and intimate relationship, Tom marries Marion. The pressure of keeping this relationship secret occasionally causes Tom to behave cruelly toward Marion. Marion is a kind woman but becomes upset when she discovers her husband's affair and makes a decision that impacts all their lives, something she tries to make amends for in later life.

Diverse Representations

A gay romance is at the heart of the movie. The two characters involved are forced to hide that they are gay on account of it being against the law in 1950s England. However, one of the characters is a lot more at peace with his sexuality. A few instances of homophobia are displayed by both the police and within a prison. Outdated views about homosexuality and the need for women to get married and have children are expressed during the scenes set in the '50s. Nearly all the characters are White, with the exception of one minor character who is a person of color and also later shown to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Although the two main characters are male, there is a prominent female supporting role.

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

A character is beaten up in prison with the suggestion being it's because they are gay. The beating involves punches to the face and body and being kicked on the floor. Reference to a homophobic attack resulting in someone's death. A sexual encounter in an alley is broken up by two police officers who aggressively shove and kick someone on the floor. Character breaks a plate in frustration. Another is shown in poor health following a stroke.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

Sex scenes involving partial nudity. Male nudity from behind. A character performs oral sex on another although nothing explicit is shown. Characters are seen masturbating each other in public on more than one occasion. Discussions about love and sex.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language is rare and mild. Includes "bloody hell," "God's sake," and "sexual pervert."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Lots of smoking both in the 1950s and 1990s periods. A character who is recovering from a stroke repeatedly demands a cigarette and is, on occasion, given one. Drinking -- beer, wine, and whiskey -- at restaurants and at home. A few instances of drunkenness including one character turning up at another's home intoxicated.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that My Policeman is a British romantic drama with a number of sex scenes, nudity, and smoking. The movie shifts between the 1950s and 1990s and is about the relationship between policeman Tom Burgess ( Harry Styles and Linus Roache ) and museum curator Patrick Hazelwood ( David Dawson and Rupert Everett ). During the '50s, the pair are shown having various sexual encounters including oral and penetrative sex, and masturbation. There is also male nudity from behind. Tom tries to repress his feelings and marries schoolteacher Marion ( Emma Corrin and Gina McKee ) lying to her about his sexuality. They too are shown having sex, though it's brief and non-graphic. Nearly all the characters smoke, especially in the '50s. During the '90s period, Patrick is recovering from a stroke but still demands his cigarettes. Characters drink on occasion and there are a few instances of drunkenness including Tom turning up at Patrick's flat drunk. Homophobic violence includes a character being beaten up in prison and there is reference to someone being killed in an attack. Based on a 2012 novel the film highlights some of the struggles the LGBTQ+ community faced in 1950s England. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

Where to Watch

Videos and photos.

Community Reviews

Parents say (1)
Kids say (7)

Based on 1 parent review

Truly amazing film!

What's the story.

In MY POLICEMAN, married couple Tom and Marion Burgess ( Linus Roache and Gina McKee ) are forced to face up to their past when old friend Patrick Hazelwood ( Rupert Everett ) moves in with them.

Is It Any Good?

Set in Brighton, England, and adapted from a 2012 novel of the same name, this romantic drama jumps back and forth between the 1950s and 1990s. At the heart of My Policeman is a gay love story and the struggles that homosexual men in particular faced both from society and the law in the not too distant past. In a series of prolonged flashbacks, pop star turned actor Harry Styles plays Tom Burgess, a policeman who falls in love with museum curator, Patrick Hazelwood ( David Dawson ). But at a time when being gay was illegal in the United Kingdom, the two hide their relationship and Tom marries Marion ( Emma Corrin ) instead.

The film does a good job of depicting the struggles that men like Tom and Patrick faced. The secrecy, the threat of violence and arrest, and the impact that all had on their well-being. However, the film suffers from a poor script and unfortunately Styles doesn't convince that his leap from pop stardom to silver screen will be a seamless one. With the likes of seasoned pros such as McKee and Everett -- who play the older versions of Marion and Patrick -- and the impressive Dawson, Styles' performance takes you out of the moment, which is to the detriment of the film.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about how My Policeman portrayed sex ? Was it affectionate? Respectful? Parents, talk to your teens about your own values regarding sex and relationships.

Which character did you have most sympathy with and why?

Were you shocked to see how the LGBTQ+ community were treated in 1950s England? Do you think things have changed today and if so, in what ways?

How were drinking and smoking portrayed? Were there consequences? Why is that important?

How did the filmmakers use "flashbacks" to tell the story? What other movies have you seen that have used similar techniques?

Movie Details

In theaters : October 21, 2022
On DVD or streaming : November 4, 2022
Cast : Harry Styles , Emma Corrin , David Dawson
Director : Michael Grandage
Inclusion Information : Non-Binary actors, Queer actors, Gay writers
Studio : Amazon Prime Video
Genre : Romance
Run time : 113 minutes
MPAA rating : R
MPAA explanation : sexual content
Last updated : December 1, 2022

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

Suggest an Update

Our editors recommend.

Summer of 85

Movies with LGBTQ+ Characters

Movies based on books.

Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.

Action/Adventure
Children's/Family
Documentary/Reality
Amazon Prime Video

More From Decider

New Shows & Movies To Watch This Weekend: 'Bridgerton' Season 3 on...

Jax Taylor Admits His "Delivery Is Awful" In 'The Valley': "That's One Of...

What Happened to Regé-Jean Page? Did the Duke Bomb His Movie Star Career...

'9-1-1's Malcolm-Jamal Warner On Amir And Bobby, Working With Peter...

'Unfrosted' Has Everyone Wondering "What's The Deal With Jerry Seinfeld?"

Chrissy Teigen Stuns John Legend On 'The Drew Barrymore Show' With Reveal...

Brooke Shields Flashed Her ‘Mother of the Bride’ Co-Star Benjamin...

Andy Cohen Reveals Sarah Jessica Parker's Reaction When He Suggested Rosie...

Stream It Or Skip It: ‘My Policeman’ on Amazon Prime Video, a Maudlin Drama That Gives Harry Styles a Wobbly Platform for his First Leading-Man Role

Where to stream:.

My Policeman
harry styles

Yes, That’s Really Nicholas Galitzine Singing in ‘The Idea of You’ — And He Sounds Fantastic

'the idea of you' tries to bring some prestige to fan fiction cinema, 'the idea of you': how harry styles is connected to anne hathaway and nicholas galitzine's steamy new romantic drama, raven brunner's top 10 pop culture cries of 2023.

Harry Styles enjoys his first leading-man role in My Policeman (now on Amazon Prime Video ), a period drama that tests his actorly mettle. Based on Bethan Roberts’ 2012 novel , the film has been overshadowed a bit by the tabloidy fracas surrounding his previous movie, Don’t Worry Darling , helmed by his current S.O. Olivia Wilde – although those with an any-publicity-is-good-publicity philosophy would argue that it’s put a slightly brighter spotlight on a British queer romance that would’ve otherwise flown quietly under the radar. Either way, the critical onus is on Styles’ transition from pop star to serious actor, so the question is, can he convincingly play a married cop with a secret gay lover?

MY POLICEMAN : STREAM IT OR SKIP IT?

The Gist: The movie opens in the 1990s. The arrival of Patrick Hazlewood (an almost unrecognizable Rupert Everett) by a patient-transport van at the seaside home of Tom (Linus Roache) and Marion (Gina McKee) is a bone of contention between the married couple. Marion has set up an adjustable hospital bed for Patrick, who’s partially paralyzed by a stroke. The caretaker gives her the lowdown on Patrick’s medication, and warns her not to give in when he asks for a cigarette. Tom won’t talk to Patrick, and is angry that the man is even in his house. What gives?

Everyone was much happier 30-odd years ago. Or were they? They were definitely more innocent. It’s the late ’50s now. Marion (Emma Corrin) and Tom (Styles) meet on the beach, where he’s wearing a sweatervest like a good and proper Englishman. He agrees to give her swimming lessons, and she takes him to the library to broaden his literary horizons. He’s a policeman and she’s a teacher and they’re hitting it off nicely. He suggests a date at the art museum – Tom met the curator at the scene of a minor accident, so they’ll get a personal tour. That curator is Patrick (David Dawson), a sophisticated and well-read gentleman who has so much in common with Marion, but she’s in love with Tom, and that’s that.

Although it’s obviously not just that. Something had to have happened back then, or else Patrick wouldn’t be driving a wedge between retirement-age Tom and Marion. We jump between the two timelines as the dynamic among the three characters comes into focus: In the ’50s, Tom poses so Patrick may draw him (perhaps like one of his French men), and they end up tumbling into bed together; Marion remains in the dark even as Patrick toasts her and Tom at their wedding; we see sex with Marion and sex with Patrick, and there’s no doubt the latter is more satisfying for Tom. In the ’90s, Marion finds Patrick’s old diaries from back then and reads them, and I suggest you keep watching the film before you judge her apparent impropriety; Tom continues to be withdrawn and quietly upset. How did that line in that one movie go? I feel like I’m sitting on an atomic bomb, waiting for it to go off? It definitely applies here.

What Movies Will It Remind You Of?: My Policeman is like An Education crossed with Bros .

Performance Worth Watching: The maudlin screenplay does no one any favors, and renders Styles’ performance stiff and passionless – sorry, Harryeads. McKee is the standout here, and she works through the clunky framing device and a cringeworthy Big Climactic Scene with quiet dignity.

Memorable Dialogue: Patrick: “I can’t draw you if I don’t know who you are.”

Sex and Skin: Lots of man-butt in moderately graphic Tom-and-Patrick schtup scenes.

Will you stream or skip the British queer romance #MyPoliceman on @PrimeVideo ? #SIOSI — Decider (@decider) November 6, 2022

Our Take: Except period-British atomic bombs aren’t nearly as explosive as normal atomic bombs. Not that My Policeman fails to detonate; it just doesn’t knock you over and stomp on your heart like a good melodrama should. The story hinges on the irony of Tom’s being gay in his chosen profession during an era in which cops beat up and arrested gay men for “perversion,” but that’s where the compelling storytelling begins and ends. The film builds the usual oppressive society and drops “forbidden” love inside it, and hits all the usual beats: longing, repression, trauma, loss.

Ron Nyswaner’s screenplay is a conundrum – bland dialogue inspires flat line-readings, and it deftly intertwines the two timelines, nestling smaller, more intriguing plot revelations within the big, obvious, predictable ones. The characters are so thinly written, and instead of stimulating his cast to transcend the script, director Michael Grandage leans into the period detail, apparently more interested in wool jackets and quaint, cottagelike mid-century country homes than anything else. Empathetic viewers will feel involvement only on a base level – you know, love is love and prejudice is awful – but beyond that, the movie doesn’t offer much that’s fresh, complex or involving.

Our Call: The jury’s still out on Styles as a movie star – give him an incomplete for now. But it’s in for My Policeman : SKIP IT.

John Serba is a freelance writer and film critic based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Read more of his work at johnserbaatlarge.com .

Prime Video
Stream It Or Skip It

Does 'Yellowstone' Return Tonight? 'Yellowstone's Season 5, Part 2 Premiere Date Info, Kevin Costner Updates, And More

'Live's Kelly Ripa And Mark Consuelos Learn Why Ankle Socks Are "Canceled" From Gen Z Members Of Their Studio Audience

PBS's ‘MaryLand’ Introduces ‘Masterpiece’ Fans to the Magical Isle of Man

'Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire' Comes To Digital, But When Will 'Godzilla x Kong' Stream on Max?

Is ‘The Iron Claw’ Based on a True Story? Why the Real Von Erich Family Is Even More Tragic Than the Movie

'The View's Whoopi Goldberg Snaps At Joy Behar While Defending Harrison Butker's Controversial Commencement Speech: "Stop That!"

Cast & crew

Ryan's World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure

Ryan is back for his most epic adventure yet. When his twin sisters, Emma and Kate, get sucked into a mystical comic book, Ryan has no choice but to rise up as the great big brother he is an... Read all Ryan is back for his most epic adventure yet. When his twin sisters, Emma and Kate, get sucked into a mystical comic book, Ryan has no choice but to rise up as the great big brother he is and jump in after them. Adventures, battles, and hilarious debacles ensue, as Ryan and his f... Read all Ryan is back for his most epic adventure yet. When his twin sisters, Emma and Kate, get sucked into a mystical comic book, Ryan has no choice but to rise up as the great big brother he is and jump in after them. Adventures, battles, and hilarious debacles ensue, as Ryan and his friends navigate the Titan Universe and bring everyone back home safely before his parents ... Read all

Albie Hecht
Rose Frankel
1 nomination

Ryan Kaji, Dan Rhodes, and Evangeline Lomelino in Ryan's World the Movie: Titan Universe Adventure (2024)

Delivery Guy

Magician Dan Rhodes
Combo Panda …

Dark Titan …
Ryan's World Fan
All cast & crew
Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

More like this

User reviews

August 16, 2024 (United States)
United States
Pocket.watch
Sunlight Entertainment
Vertigo Entertainment
See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

Runtime 1 hour 23 minutes