By Lisa DiCarlucci

The film adaptation of Ian McEwan’s popular novel “Atonement” recently hit theaters and has left audiences breathless for its romantic and devastating plot. This captivating story of love, lies, war and regret will do more than just pull at one’s heartstrings. Director Joe Wright takes the audience on a journey through the growth of young Briony as she grows to learn the power of her lies and her search to make amends with her older sister Cecilia (Keira Knightley) and her love Robbie (James McAvoy) whom she forced apart so many years ago. From the very first moments, this film grabs on and refuses to let go.

When the movie first introduces the young writer, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), at age 13 she has just completed her first play and is now frustrated with the lack of enthusiasm of her cast – made up of her younger cousins. While seemingly driven in her quest for play production, her mission is quickly derailed when she becomes distracted by a more interesting plot: the relationship between older sister Cecilia and Robbie, a young man who works for their family. Through a rapid series of events, Briony witnesses several interactions between Cecilia and Robbie which in her perspective are troubling. However, one can’t always believe everything they see. Director Joe Wright seamlessly transitions the film between what Briony sees and what actually happens, giving the audience knowledge that is essential to understanding the film while also deeply playing into the deception of human perspective. Because Briony is troubled by what she thinks she sees, she tells a lie that tears Robbie away from Cecilia. Though at first satisfied, with age she comes to realize not only the truth, but the ramifications of her actions and is plagued by incredible guilt. The film moves forward several years to Briony at age 18 and the scenery makes a harsh transition from the British countryside to the cities, hospitals and battlefronts of World War II.

It follows Robbie’s fate of fighting the war and contains one of the most astonishing war scenes in cinema to date. About 15 minutes long, this scene is captured brilliantly with one continuous shot as Robbie walks amidst not battle, but destruction. It is utterly devastating to watch as he moves through the thousands of ragged drunk soldiers and broken down architecture. To see him walk among such hopelessness, knowing that hope is all he has left of his love, makes it hard not to hate Briony for her selfishness.

Now as a young nurse, the older version of Briony (Romola Garai) is relentless in her quest to reunite with her now estranged sister and make right the actions of her youth. She is still a writer now continuously trying to write the true story of Robbie and Cecilia but encountering tremendous writer’s block. As her typewriter becomes an essential symbol throughout the film, the rapid typing sound moving fluidly in and out of the sound track, it seems to keep pace with a heartbeat that drives home the importance of storytelling.

While Garai relentlessly portrays Briony’s need for atonement, it is Vanessa Redgrave’s portrayal of her at her eldest which truly captures this. The film fast forwards to Briony, post-release of her completed novel, as she provides an epilogue of sorts. The ending, though it may feel more like a punch in the stomach, will steal one’s breath, but it is the look in Redgrave’s eyes as she delivers it that will break audience’s hearts.

“Atonement” is achingly romantic, yet so subtle in its nature. The cast is gorgeous and captivating, the cinematography is flawless and the story touches the soul. It truly lives up to its numerous nominations and awards.