Virtually unseen in this country, "The Secret Rapture" showcases the remarkable Juliet Stevenson in David Hare's drama concerning internal conflicts and unspoken hostilities which threaten a British family. She potrays a woman self-sacrificing to the point of destructiveness, a passive-aggressive sacrificial lamb who controls those around her through acts of self deprecation and kindness. She's nicely contrasted with Joanne Whalley's nasty-edged femme fatale who seals the family's doom, reminiscent of Gene Tierney's carnivorous soul-eater in "Leave Her to Heaven"... Should be seen by David Hare fans and those unacquainted with an excellent performer who also did spectacular work as the grieving widow in "Truly Madly Deeply".
8 Reviews
Intense, multidimensional I really enjoyed it
Melm6 September 1999
I finally rented this video after searching for it for many months. Initially I only wanted to see it because I'm an out and out Neil Pearson fan (Patrick, boyfriend of Isobel, the lead). However, the movie stands up very well without Neil (although he handles himself very well in this movie, he is overshadowed by the three main female characters). It's an eerie, intense movie, the sort the Brits do so well - definitely a "chick flick" the house and it's isolated setting giving the movie an almost "Wuthering Heights" aura. The movie is full of tension and the ending, shocking, yet somehow inevitable. I'm glad I watched it, it was worth the wait
Typical British TV drama of the early-90s
fishermensmell14 December 2020
Tiresome British drama that has aged very badly. Rather commonplace characters are established, then the grenade of Joanne Whalley's nasty widow thrown into the mix with predictable results. The look of everything is very bland and humdrum; a typical TV look of the day. The best thing about it was Julia Stevenson, who managed to evoke sympathy and interest in her character. If you enjoy family dramas and second-guessing everyone's motives you may yet enjoy this.
A Beautiful And Moving Film; Leaves You Bigger Inside After You Watch
ChangeAmerica25 November 2007
This gorgeous movie contains both fine acting and writing; real characters shown with flaws and beauty in equal parts; human primates as we all are. The storyline is simple but full of life-like twists and turns as different parts of each character comes forth and then steps back, only to reveal another side: that's what we humans do. The grayish bland colors of the home cottage spell out the pain and numbness everyone who grew up there went through; yet to survive and finally face the trauma of "normal" societal behaviors; creatively and thick with color. Makes it a very rich powerful setting for becoming personally honest; among all the characters who come together and fall apart while visiting the old homestead.
Very moving film; no gimmicks, no special effects; no bang-bang shoot em up; great acting and people we recognize as ourselves.
Highly recommended!!
Very moving film; no gimmicks, no special effects; no bang-bang shoot em up; great acting and people we recognize as ourselves.
Highly recommended!!
Raptor, not rapture.
mark.waltz14 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This tedious thriller is frustrating because the set-up is better than the execution, dealing with three women including two sisters (Juliette Stevenson and Penelope Wilton) and apparently a distant relative (Joanna Salley) who was apparently around when the father of the two sisters passed away and sticks around to further destroy the family. She tries to manipulate the sisters in some sort of shady business deal then turns violent which causes problems in Stevenson's relationship. Why this relative isn't just placed in a padded cell and forgotten about makes no sense to me.
Decent performances can't hide the fact that the messy, convoluted story is just unbearable. It's great to see a young Penelope Wilton from "Downtown Abbey", especially since she gets to use her "DA" characters name which is Stevenson's name here. The story is the issue here which tries to use classic gothic themes in a modern setting which takes a lot away from the mystery. It's a nice try that flops because all the ingredients just leaves a messy result that left me cold and uninterested so when major twists did come, I felt too little too late.
Decent performances can't hide the fact that the messy, convoluted story is just unbearable. It's great to see a young Penelope Wilton from "Downtown Abbey", especially since she gets to use her "DA" characters name which is Stevenson's name here. The story is the issue here which tries to use classic gothic themes in a modern setting which takes a lot away from the mystery. It's a nice try that flops because all the ingredients just leaves a messy result that left me cold and uninterested so when major twists did come, I felt too little too late.
i loved The Secret Rapture
paulfg574 January 2007
I loved this play, i found it surprisingly refreshing and exciting. The Femininity of the roles and the antagonistic characters. Definitely worthwhile seeing! As a response to the comment mentioned before mine, obviously not everyone was able to see the underlying themes and the beauty of David Hare's writing. Having had an essay based on The Secret Rapture for my English degree i already know the play very well, but seeing it as it was meant to be seen (on stage) my love for this play was only cemented. Apart from the sexual scenes between Isobel and her husband this play is suitable for everyone who has a love for English literature, or even those who are just looking for something different than the typical hero in a stage production.
I was raptured by this film.
flicka-37 July 1999
It is so wonderful to see a film where the characters are multi-dimensional, imperfect, complex and believable. Their motives to hurt each other are more than knee-jerk reactions to the groin. I strongly recommend this film for the great acting by Juliet Stevenson, Joanne Whalley (sans Kilmer), and Penelope Wilton.
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