Harry Styles earns praise for his "daring performance" in My Policeman reviews

12 September 2022, 15:46

Watch Harry Styles in the trailer for My Policeman

By Rachel Michaella Finn

The first reviews are in and Harry Styles is winning praise for his performance in My Policeman.

As any devoted Harry Styles fan will probably already know, My Policeman had its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival yesterday - and the first reviews are in.

The singer has already been hitting the headlines recently, thanks to all the drama at the Don’t Worry Darling premiere, but he’s back to the big screen for his second major film project of the year, playing the role of a closeted gay policeman in 1950s England.

Harry’s character Tom is married to local school teacher Marion (played by Emma Corrin), but later develops feelings for museum curator Patrick (played by David Dawson). Due to the oppressive laws of the time, the pair have to keep their relationship a secret and the film follows the emotional and heartbreaking relationship between the trio over a forty year period.

Although we won’t get to see the film until October 21st, some lucky critics and fans have already seen the film - but is it any good? And what’s Harry Styles’ acting like in the film?

READ MORE: Harry Styles says the sex scenes in My Policeman are not safe to watch with parents

The first reviews are in and, although some loved the film, there’s been a bit of criticism too.

One film critic who watched the film at the premiere gave Harry’s acting a positive review, writing: “#MyPoliceman truly moved me. It’s an important story that shows how many queer folks the system left behind in past generation. Harry Styles had a strong performance as the titular character. #TIFF22”

Another praised both Harry and Emma’s performance, saying: “MY POLICEMAN evoked so much passion & sadness. Harry Styles gave a daring performance. I didn’t expect him to be that good, but he was really really good in this film. He’s steadily getting there, acting-wise. Emma Corrin was also quite terrific.”

Similarly, another person wrote: “#MyPoliceman truly delivered. Harry Styles leads a brilliant ensemble and all 3 of the main cast delivered exceptional performances filled with nuance, passion and poise. Great cinematography and a tight script makes this one to watch as the Oscars race begins. #TIFF”.

READ MORE: Harry Styles confirms fans will not see his "peen" in My Policeman

Alex Ritman of The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that the film got a positive reaction by its premiere audience writing: “The film was warmly received by the audience, which gave it a three-minute round of applause, with crowds rising to their feet when Grandage and the cast took to the stage (many, naturally, screaming when Styles appeared).”

In a review of the film, Deadline’s Pete Hammond praised Harry’s improving acting skills, writing: “Between Don’t Worry Darling and My Policeman, Styles is quickly proving to be the real deal as an actor, and he is very convincing here as a man lost in deception with his wife.”

However, it’s not all good news. In one particularly scathing review, Benjamin Lee of The Guardian writes: “There’s a crucial dissonance between the confidence he exudes on stage and the awkwardness we see on screen, a star fizzling out right before our very eyes, as uncomfortable for us as it appears to be for him.” Ouch.

Fans wanting to see the film for themselves will have to wait until October 21st for a UK cinema release. The film will then be available on Amazon Prime from November 1st.

Read more Harry Styles news...

• Harry Styles stuns in My Policeman first look photos
• Harry Styles' My Policeman receives R rating for "sexual content"
• Here's what the Don't Worry Darling reviews are saying about Harry Styles' acting
• Harry Styles jokes that he did spit on Chris Pine at the Don't Worry Darling premiere
• Harry Styles changes merch after fans spot accidental 'Nazi symbol' on his new caps

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