The film follows a young working-class orphan by the name of Pip as he goes on a bizarre journey to become a gentleman and win the heart of Estella. Unfortunately, Estella confesses that she does not have a heart and that she will only hurt him.
Though the film feels slow at the start, the character development and chemistry makes the somewhat dull pace acceptable. In particular, Helena Bonham Carter is in her element as the crazed and creepy Miss Havisham. Her costume and presence exude a corpse bride feel and turn everyone cold. Holliday Grainger’s performance as Estella is also excellent: the perfect embodiment of the cold wife, brought up in money and expecting it. Though she repeats that she is heartless, and though in all honestly Pip really should just drop it and find another girl, Pip’s sincerity makes you really want him to win her over.
Overall, Great Expectations is a pretty film with some deep and beautiful moments – and, well, who doesn’t love watching Helena Bonham Carter play a loony?
3/5