Not Another Harry Styles Comb Over Film- 'My Policeman'

With all the commotion surrounding the release of Olivia Wilde's Don't Worry Darling, I think many were unaware that Mr. Harry Styles was yet again set to star in a blockbuster film, this time on Amazon Prime. My Policeman is a 1950s repressed love story about a policeman, played by Harry Styles, and an art museum curator, played by David Dawson, while Emma Corrin's character, Marion, gets caught up in it all. The main reason I was excited to see this film was because of Emma—I’ve loved them ever since The Crown and am excited to see all the work they’re in. But I can’t lie and say I wasn’t curious to see what Mr. Styles would bring to the role, especially after his (predictably) disappointing performance in Don't Worry Darling.

The main appeal of this film was its plot, which is a credit to the novel by Bethan Roberts and the adapted screenplay by Ron Nyswaner. Normally, I comment on actor performances, film scores, and a bit of cinematography in my completely amateur reviews, but I can’t recall anything notable to say about the latter.

Dawson and Styles portrayed their forbidden love extremely well, really conveying the vulnerability and passion between them when they were together. Despite this—and the fact that I’m literally queer—I found myself rooting for Marion and resenting the affair between the two men. This might be an unconscious bias towards Emma Corrin, as mentioned before, but Marion’s character was so sweet and naturally curious that I couldn’t help but feel intensely sorry for her. It was hard to figure out whether this was truly a love triangle or if Marion was being deceived the entire time. The dual timelines, showing both the young characters and their older selves, helped emphasize all the wasted time for everyone involved.

Overall, the film felt profoundly depressing, with its cool tones and the crushing weight of the older storyline. It’s unfortunate because it seems like the only queer media we get these days revolves around forbidden, closeted, doomed love. I wasn’t expecting a happy ending—I mean, it’s two gay men in the 1950s—but perhaps we could use some more uplifting representation soon.

Upon first viewing, I had rated the film much higher than I would now. I think that was largely due to the plot, and if that’s the case, maybe I should’ve just read the book. The first watch was enjoyable, but I’m left with very few lasting thoughts other than it being another sad, dated LGBTQ+ romance. That being said, I did prefer it to Don't Worry Darling, which isn’t a fair comparison beyond the fact that Mr. Styles is in both—but he’s definitely better in My Policeman.

Evie 13 November 2022