Tolkien (2019) is a biographical drama directed by Dome Karukoski, with a screenplay written by David Gleeson and Stephen Beresford. The film explores the early life of J.R.R. Tolkien, the famous British professor and author of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. By delving into his formative years, Tolkien offers a rich, emotional look at how the events of his youth shaped the legendary writer and the epic worlds he would later create.

The story of Tolkien focuses on the period from his childhood through his early adulthood. The film portrays the hardships Tolkien faced, such as the death of his parents and his time at boarding school. These events, while tragic, played a crucial role in shaping his character and worldview. The film highlights his close friendship with a group of like-minded individuals, known as the “T.C.B.S.” (Tea Club and Barrovian Society), whose creative energy and camaraderie profoundly influenced his later work. It shows how these relationships inspired his passion for language, mythology, and storytelling.

One of the central themes in the film is the development of Tolkien’s imagination. As a young boy, he found solace in the fantastical worlds he created through his love for languages, stories, and art. His experiences during World War I are also a significant part of the narrative, as they served as both a source of trauma and a catalyst for the creation of the fictional worlds he later populated with elves, dwarves, and orcs. The film effectively portrays how Tolkien’s experiences in the war, combined with his grief and loss, contributed to the darker, more complex aspects of his writing.

The film also delves into Tolkien’s relationship with Edith Bratt, his lifelong love. Their bond, which began during their youth, was tested by Tolkien’s early struggles and his dedication to his academic and creative pursuits. Their love story is central to the emotional arc of the film, illustrating how Tolkien’s personal life intertwined with the creation of his literary masterpieces. Edith’s presence in Tolkien’s life is depicted as both supportive and transformative, inspiring much of the love and hope that appears in his later works.

Another important aspect of Tolkien is its visual style, which blends reality with fantasy to reflect the author’s imaginative mind. The film seamlessly shifts between scenes from Tolkien’s life and his fantastical creations, using dreamlike imagery to show how his experiences and emotions were translated into the fantastical worlds of Middle-earth. The visual transitions between the real world and the world of his imagination enhance the film’s portrayal of Tolkien as a man who lived with one foot in the real world and the other in the realms of his mind.

In conclusion, Tolkien is a heartfelt exploration of the life and mind of one of literature’s greatest creators. Through its compelling storytelling and stunning visuals, the film offers a glimpse into the experiences that shaped J.R.R. Tolkien’s literary genius. By focusing on his early life, his friendships, and his love for Edith, Tolkien provides a deeper understanding of the man behind the epic worlds of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. The film stands as a tribute to the imagination and perseverance that led to the creation of some of the most beloved stories in literary history.