When the couple are torn apart by a lie constructed by Cecilia's jealous younger sister, Briony (Saoirse Ronan), all three of them must deal with the consequences.

Robbie is the hardest hit, since Briony's deception results in his imprisonment, but hope for Cecilia and her beau increases when their paths cross during World War II.

The film skilfully keeps the same sense of dreamy otherworldliness and unsettling nervous energy from the McEwan source novel. Support cast includes Brenda Blethyn, Benedict Cumberbatch and Juno Temple.

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