Watch The Happy Prince - Bedtime Story

The Happy Prince is a poignant movie that tells the story of Oscar Wilde's last days, with Rupert Everett taking the lead as the writer and director. Set in France and Italy around the turn of the 20th century, the plot follows Wilde's struggles with his personal demons and societal attitudes towards homosexuality. The film opens with Wilde's release from prison after serving two years for "gross indecency." He is met by his friend Reggie Turner (Colin Firth), who offers him a place to stay in his apartment in Europe. Wilde carries himself as a broken man, disillusioned by his experience of imprisonment and ostracised by society. Nevertheless, he is determined to resume his writing and start a new life in Europe.

As he settles into his new surroundings, Wilde meets a range of characters that shape his journey. He becomes fascinated by a group of young street boys, who he sees as a metaphor for his own life. He empathises with the way they are forced to live on the margins of society, and begins to write stories to share with them.

The movie cuts back and forth between Wilde's present and his past, particularly through his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas (Colin Morgan), fondly known as 'Bosie.' The two meet at a party in Wilde's earlier years, sparking a passionate but tumultuous romance. Bosie's father, the Marquess of Queensberry (Tom Wilkinson) fiercely disapproves of their relationship, leading to a legal battle that ultimately lands Wilde in jail.

The Happy Prince is a beautifully acted and directed movie that captures the essence of Wilde's wit, charm, and tragedy. It draws on Wilde's own writing, including his fairytales, which punctuate the narrative and serve as a commentary on the themes of the main story.

Rupert Everett's portrayal of Wilde is nothing short of mesmerising. He embodies the writer's flamboyant personality while also conveying the depths of his pain and regret. Everett also displays his range as a director, capturing the era's lavish European scenery and costume, but also zooming in on the intimate moments that define Wilde's relationships with other characters.

Colin Firth and Colin Morgan also deliver strong performances as Wilde's loyal friends Reggie and Bosie, respectively. They play off each other well, capturing the changing dynamics of their relationships with Wilde over time.

One of the strengths of The Happy Prince is its exploration of the tension between Wilde's public persona and his private life. Wilde is well aware of the contradictions within his own character, aware of the way his witty remarks are a facade, a distraction from the despair that he feels at being unable to express his true self.

The movie also captures the social climate in which Wilde lived, with the pervasive homophobia of the era palpable in every scene. Wilde's lawyer (played by the wonderful Anna Chancellor) advises him to flee the country and says that his reputation will never recover. Even Wilde's own ex-wife, Constance Lloyd (Emily Watson), is reluctant to have anything to do with him after his discharge from prison.

In summary, The Happy Prince is a powerful and compelling movie that tells the story of a brilliant writer whose life was cut short by social oppression. It is a reminder of the importance of artistic and personal freedom, as well as a tribute to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit. Wilde once said 'we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' The Happy Prince captures that sentiment in a way that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting.