REVIEW: Tolkien Is A Decent Biopic About A Fantastical Author

Tolkien brings to life the early years of beloved author J.R.R. Tolkien. Directed by Dome Karukoski, the film is Tolkien’s journey through adolescence to adulthood where he is faced with death, love, friendship, and war. All help mold him into the author he is to become and the one fans know of today.

Karukoski intertwines the world of Lord Of The Rings seamlessly into Tolkien’s own life. Fans will delight in the plethora of connections scattered throughout the film as much of Tolkien’s life influenced his work. Whether it be in the events that actually happened to the author or his own magical musings to escape the horror of his reality, Karukoski does well to blend fantasy with fact.

Tolkien kicks off with the author meeting three young men at school who all possess a desire to change the world through their art. The strength of the film relies on this friendship, or fellowship, and showcases how important these men were in the creation of Tolkien’s most beloved works. While slightly disjointed in places, Tolkien truly shines when all four young men are together.

Nicholas Hoult tackles the role of J.R.R. Tolkien and does well to embody Tolkien’s intensity and desire. He has a lot of material to work with and succeeds in bringing to life the struggles Tolkien faced with growing up in poverty and fighting in the FIrst World War. Lily Collins as Edith Bratt, Tolkien’s fellow orphan and future love, captures the eye in every scene. While Collins doesn’t have much reference for her role as information on Edith is sparse, she charms and enchants her way through the film. Karukoski consistently demonstrates how important Edith was in making Tolkien the man he was to become.

Collins and Hoult’s chemistry is undeniable and some of the best scenes are when Edith and Tolkien are falling in love. Anthony Boyle, Patrick Gibson, and Tom Glynn-Carney round out the members of the fellowship of Tolkien’s friends, Geoffrey Bache Smith, Christopher Wiseman, and Robert Gilson. Hoult, Boyle, Gibson, and Glynn-Carney deliver stellar work in these scenes. Their comfort with each other is especially evident as is the joy they had in filming together.

Tolkien is a beautifully shot tale about the life of J.R.R. Tolkien. It may not be for everyone but fans of his work will revel in learning more about the author and the inspirations that went into creating his fascinating world.

Grade: B