Lively, enjoyable adaptation of Chekhov’s late 19th-century classic play with director Michael Mayer instilling a sense of urgency and energy into his terrific ensemble cast.
Failed hopes aplenty as vainglorious actress Arkadina (a splendidly stagey Annette Bening) dominates the country dacha of brother Sorin. An intimate portrayal of loves, losses and desires as Arkadina sees her lover Trigorin (Corey Stoll) become besotted by the much younger Nina (Saoirse Ronan) whilst Elisabeth Moss and her desires for Konstantin (Billy Howle) go unrequited.
Purists may feel shortchanged as Chekhov’s tale is reduced to 99 minutes running time, but with its sense of dramatic intimacy, this particular The Seagull is pacey and accessible.
Rating; 66%
Director: Michael Mayer (A Home at the End of the World, Flicka)
Writer: Stephen Karam (Speech & Debate) – based on the Play by Anton Chekhov
Main cast: Annette Bening (American Beauty, Being Julia), Saoirse Ronan (Lady Bird, On Chesil Beach), Elisabeth Moss (High Rise, TV’s The Handmaid’s Tale)
An Opinion or Two 