Atonement (2007 film)

Atonement is a 2007 British romantic war drama film directed by Joe Wright, based on Ian McEwan's 2001 novel of the same name. The film stars James McAvoy, Keira Knightley, and Saoirse Ronan.

The story spans several decades, beginning in the summer of 1935 in England and moving through World War II and its aftermath. It centers on the consequences of a lie told by thirteen-year-old Briony Tallis (Ronan), which irrevocably damages the lives of her older sister, Cecilia (Knightley), and Cecilia’s lover, Robbie Turner (McAvoy). Briony accuses Robbie of a crime he did not commit, leading to his imprisonment and eventual service in the British Army during the war.

The film explores themes of guilt, redemption, the power of imagination, the subjective nature of memory, and the devastating impact of false accusations. As Briony grows older (later played by Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave), she grapples with the guilt of her actions and seeks atonement for the pain she caused. She attempts to atone through various means, including becoming a nurse during the war and, ultimately, through writing a novel about the events.

The film received critical acclaim for its performances, direction, cinematography, and score. It was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won for Best Original Score. It also won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama and the BAFTA Award for Best Film.