Neal Vitale Reviews: Atonement

3.5 stars out of 5

This adaptation of Ian McEwen's 2003 novel is stylish and well-made, yet chilly and even a bit off-putting. The story centers on the unpleasant and calculating Briony Tallis, a girl whose youthful misjudgment and lies inexorably change three lives for the worse. The film has moments of brilliance. It nicely weaves illusion and reality, history and the present. The cinematography is beautiful, and a protracted tracking shot on the beach at Dunkirk is a tour de force. James McAvoy (The Last King Of Scotland) again distinguishes himself, and a brief appearance by Vanessa Redgrave at the film's end revives and reconciles the narrative. But the skeletal Keira Knightley is underwhelming in the key role of Briony's sister Cecilia, and the film is far too long at over two hours. Most difficult, though, is trying to enjoy a film whose main character is completely unlikable and morally bankrupt. I found myself acknowledging the strengths of Atonement, but not liking it very much.