Julia Holody – Contributing Writer

juh664@psu.edu

(SPOILERS INCLUDED)

“My Policeman,” directed by Michael Grandage, opened in theaters on October 21, 2022. The film, adapted from the novel of the same name by Bethan Roberts, is a romantic period drama that follows the complicated love triangle of a policeman, his wife, and his gay lover during a time when homosexuality was illegal. I saw the film on opening night, and I was surprised by the depth of the plot.

The film takes place in 1950s Britain—a period when homosexuality was a crime in the country—and in the present day when our three main characters are much older. We initially follow the love story of policeman Tom Burgess (played by Harry Styles) and schoolteacher Marion Taylor (played by Emma Corrin). Tom pursues a future with Marion all the while maintaining a clandestine same-sex relationship with museum curator Patrick Hazlewood (played by David Dawson). After Tom introduces Marion to Patrick on a date at the museum, they all spend time together, with Marion believing that Patrick is a close friend of Tom. As time goes on, Marion discovers that Tom and Patrick are more than just friends, which confuses and disgusts her to the point of retaliation. In the present day, it is revealed that Marion has allowed Patrick, recently incapacitated by a stroke, to live in her and Tom’s seaside home. As Tom refuses to be in the same room with Patrick, Marion learns the details of their forbidden love through Patrick’s old journal entries.

The relationship dynamic in “My Policeman” cannot simply be chalked up as a love triangle. Sure, the story is a romantic one, but it is also rife with political commentary. The film realistically depicts gay sex scenes, to portray passion and the discovery of identities. The sex scenes in “My Policeman” are unlike any I have ever seen on film before since their purpose for existing was not for generating laughter or disgust from an audience. It was refreshing to see romantic and sexual encounters between two men being taken seriously rather than being used as the butt of a homophobic joke. The relationship and open dialogue between Tom and Patrick provide the audience with an understanding of police brutality against queer people. Patrick would explain in his journal entries how he did not trust police officers due to the criminal status of homosexuality at the time. He also confides in Tom, revealing that his last lover was beaten to death for being gay. Eventually, after being reported by a furious and jealous Marion, Patrick is sentenced to two years in prison for being gay, where he is frequently beaten by the other inmates. Of course, the experiences are limited to those of white, gay men in Britain and are in no way comparable to every queer experience. Nonetheless, for a spectator who is uneducated on the topic, “My Policeman” acts as a solid starting point for understanding queer oppression. 

I enjoyed this film more than I expected I would. Harry Styles, whom I had previously watched in the film Don’t Worry Darling, once again gave an alright performance. I feel like the promotion for the film relied too heavily on Styles’ star power as a selling point, despite how his monotone line delivery did not warrant it. Nevertheless, any publicity is good publicity. Although I may be running the risk of upholding a cliché, I do enjoy a happy ending. Despite the homophobic violence and ostracization Tom and Patrick faced, it was refreshing to see a queer relationship survive against all odds and end with a heartfelt reunion. However, the ending did feel rushed, and watching every loose end be tied in the last five minutes of the film gave me whiplash. Furthermore, I would have preferred the story to be told more so through Tom or Patrick rather than through Marion, a straight woman who may or may not still harbor homophobic views by the end of the film. 

Overall, I would rate “My Policeman” 3 out of 5 stars.