Cloud Atlas (2013) Review

It’s taken me a bit of reflection to gather my thoughts on “Cloud Atlas”. I found the first five minutes baffling, then it was intriguing and, ultimately, mesmerising. At a sprawling 2 3/4 hours, it’s not for the faint-hearted or fidgety-bottomed but it’s a richly rewarding experience.

It weaves a number of deceptively complex intertwined stories across hundreds of years, deftly drawing out themes and ideas which stay with you long after the end credits have blown your mind by showing you exactly who played what roles. I feel like I’ve watched an “important” film but can’t yet crystalise what I mean by that. It may be a film that few, if any, will think is “okay” – it’s more likely to be a love it or hate it experience.

I (think) I loved it. I want to see it again. I want you to see it. And so you should, even if it’s just for the startling revelation that Hugh Grant can play something other than a charmingly befuddled Englishman.

9/10