‘A United Kingdom’ review [TIFF ’16]

A United Kingdom review: TIFF ’16 plays host to the world premiere of Amma Assante’s true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams.

A United Kingdom review by Paul Heath, TIFF ’16.

Amma Assante follows up her impressive period piece Belle with this true story of Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, an interracial couple who married in the face of fierce opposition from both their families and the British and South African governments in a post-war 1948.

David Oyelowo portrays Seretse, the future king of Bechuanaland (modern-day Botswana) who meets an attractive young office worker (Rosamund Pike‘s Ruth Williams) in London where he is away studying. The two spark an intense relationship from an almost immediate attraction, much to the dismay of Williams’ father George (Nicholas Lyndhurst) and Seretse’s uncle (back in Bechuanaland, who is setting things up for his nephew to take charge once he has finished his education. The young couple’s attraction deepens and when Seretse reveals to Ruth that he is unwilling to return home to rule unless she is with him. The two marry in England which immediately ignites personal issues, and indeed huge political turmoil between the British Empire and Seretse’s tribe, as he travels back home to ‘take his throne.’

A United Kingdom is an intriguing, utterly compelling and engrossing watch from the off; it’s key strength the immense attention to detail in terms of its production design, something with which Assante’s previous effort Belle also shined. Another asset are its two leads, particularly Oyelowo, which is brilliant as Seretse Khama, a leader guilty of only his love. A stand-out is a key scene a third in where his character delivers a rousing, emotion-charged speech to his people, a moment which steps the film up a notch and defines the actor’s immense talent. Pike is also truly wonderful as the humbled Queen-in-waiting, a delicate, though strong soul, and the actress really shines in every scene.

The film runs at a good pace, though one can’t help but feel the first third involving the couple’s is slightly rushed. The attraction seems almost too immediate and not much time is spent developing that aspect of the story to truly appreciate their love and want for one-another. The film could actually have done with being that little bit longer to accommodate this. That said, the following two-thirds more than make up for it as Assante and her screenwriter Guy Hibbert (Eye In The Sky) delve deep into the political aspects of this true story. The script introduces the likes of Jack Davenport’s fictional character of Sir Alistair Canning, a key ingredient to the piece, as well as Tom Felton as Rufus Alexander.

A United Kingdom stands as a solid, mostly enjoyable and engrossing effort from the highly skilled Assante –  one which really highlights the wonder and talent of its amazing cast. While not perfect, it’s a great insight into a remarkable and important true story – almost a obvious companion piece to TIFF’s fellow screener Loving.

A United Kingdom is gorgeous to look at, so intricately designed and really rather enthralling.

A United Kingdom review by Paul Heath, Toronto Film Festival 2016.

A United Kingdom will open in the UK in November and will also open the BFI London Film Festival in October.