Cannes Drama Shifts War’s Spotlight to Civilians in Atonement
At Cannes, Reed Van Dyk’s Atonement broadens the war narrative by following an Iraqi family and a remorseful U.S. Marine across a decade, anchored by Hiam Abbass’s Mariam and Boyd Holbrook’s Lou, with journalist Kenneth Branagh mediating forgiveness; the film is praised for its humane perspective and restrained, powerful performances, though it isn’t without some narrative flaws.
