Based on the novel by Bethan Roberts, “My Policeman” tells the somber story of queer love and persecution in 1950s England. Although partly overshadowed by a star-studded cast, the beautifully-assembled film pays tribute to the hardships gay individuals have faced throughout history.
The Overall Review
Told through beautifully executed time jumps, “My Policeman” follows the relationships of Tom Burgess, Marion Burgess and Patrick Hazelwood as the three enter a complex love triangle. When Tom and Patrick engage in an affair, Marion searches for a way to win her husband back; no matter the consequences to her best friend Patrick.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Marion reports Patrick to the police as a sexual pervert due to his sexuality. Her actions get him thrown in jail, where he experiences continuous abuse from his fellow inmates. This is where the film’s main issue comes to light: the struggle of being queer at a time or in a place where your sexuality is considered illegal.
The storyline of “My Policeman” is a tearjerker but one that provides an entertaining viewing experience. Director Michael Grandage does an incredible job of pulling viewers into the story and investing them in the various complexities of each character. The plot is brought to life through the work of a truly talented cast, with Emma Corrin and David Dawson stealing the show.
Corrin’s portrayal of the frustrated, heartbroken young Marion will prove to be award-winning. Corrin, who identifies as non-binary, somehow makes the audience feel sympathy for their character, despite the despicability of Marion’s actions. Similarly, Dawson captivates the audience through his performance as young Patrick in his own way.
Patrick is slightly reserved and methodical, which Dawson approaches with a certain eeriness that draws the audience into his performance. He transforms Patrick into a lovable character, who the audience roots for throughout his downfall. Both Corrin and Dawson are queer themselves, which adds a truthful feel to the film, something that many queer films have lacked throughout the years.
The Superstar Elephant in the Room
Of course, we cannot talk about “My Policeman” without discussing the casting of Harry Styles as the movie’s main character Tom Burgess. Styles has recently dabbled in the world of film, starring alongside Florence Pugh in “Don’t Worry Darling” and joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe. However, it is evident through his performance that he is not an actor.
Now don’t get me wrong, Styles’ performance as Tom is his best work on the big screen to date. It was not “Oscar-worthy” by any means, but for a non-professionally-trained actor, he did a pretty good job. His inclusion in the film without a doubt drove herds of fans to the theaters. However, if the casting director went in a different direction with the film, it may have sat with critics better.
Styles’ sexuality has always been a hot topic between media outlets, fans and haters alike. Styles is by no means a gay icon, as he doesn’t talk much about his sexuality and only receives praise for things other artists have done before him. Yet, his presence as a queer artist is undeniable. From song lyrics about gay sex, speaking briefly in interviews about his identity, to simply exclaiming that “we are all a little bit gay” on stage, Styles chooses to discuss his sexuality on his owns terms.
“I’ve been really open with it with my friends, but that’s my personal experience; it’s mine… The whole point of where we should be heading, which is toward accepting everybody and being more open, is that it doesn’t matter, and it’s about not having to label everything, not having to clarify what boxes you’re checking,” said Styles in an interview with Better Homes & Gardens.
Some discredit Styles as a queer individual as they only view gay individuals in an extremely secular way. However, his role in “My Policeman” works to confirm his existence as a queer artist.
All Things Queer Cinema
Representation in film is incredibly important, and “My Policeman” adds to the increasing number of films centering their plot around LGBTQ+ themes and issues. The film tackles the history of violence towards gay men, the consequences of bottling up sexuality, police encounters with gay individuals and many other issues. The film not only sheds light on the unsavory history of queer love but also works to celebrate the pure beauty that comes along with it.
Oftentimes, gay sex is shot in a way that feels either fetishized or predatory. Take for example, “Brokeback Mountain.” At the time of the movie’s release in 2005, the thought of showing two men engaging in sex acts on the big screen was taboo. Although the film was ahead of its time, each sex scene was more violent and aggressive than the one before.
In “My Policeman,” director Micheal Gradage portrayed gay sex in a romantic, artistic manner. These intimate scenes were filmed no differently than sex scenes between heterosexual couples in straight-centered romantic movies. Sex scenes between Tom and Patrick were not focused on the fact that it was two men engaging in intercourse, but instead, the fact that two people in love were together.
When compared to the few scenes of intimacy shown between Tom and Marion, it is clear that the heterosexual sex scenes lack passion. Grandage made a point to show how lackluster the sex life of Tom and Marion was. The difference seen between the two was not that Tom was with a man versus a woman but with someone he loved versus someone he was just going through the motions with.
Viewing Experience
Before its Nov. 4 release on Amazon Prime, “My Policeman” was released in select theaters in late October. Since I had been impatiently waiting for the film’s release, I knew I had to experience it in theaters on the day of release.
Upon walking into the theater, it was clear that everyone was there for Styles. The auditorium was packed full of young fans buzzing with anticipation, eager for the lights to dim and the trailers to start. Personally, I enjoyed the energy that radiated throughout the theater. When Tom touched Patrick for the first time, the collective, excited gasps of the audience sent chills running through my body.
Although my audience reacted in a respectful, yet enthusiastic manner, some people have spoken out about their in-person viewing experience. Taking to Twitter, many users have expressed how uncomfortable they were made by the laughs and off-color comments during instances of gay sex.
I highly encourage everyone to watch “My Policeman” but make sure you go into the film knowing that it is a serious movie about much more than Styles. Especially if you are a straight individual who is only watching because of Styles, know that this movie and the intimacy seen in it is not the time for you to ogle over him. This a queer-focused movie, and you should watch it as such.