The Personal History of David Copperfield (PG)

Charles Dickens’s classic autobiographical novel gets a comedic makeover in this adaptation of the tale as it follows the experiences that shape David Copperfield into the person he becomes. Oscar nominee Dev Patel takes the titular role, starring alongside Academy Award winners Tilda Swinton and Peter Capaldi and three-time Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie. Armando Iannucci directs this funny tale about Victorian life.

David Copperfield (Dev Patel), born in Victorian England, lives the first few years of his life in a loving, happy home kept by housekeeper Peggotty (Daisy May Cooper). Yet, as he grows older, he discovers life is difficult and certainly not fair.

After his mother marries again, David’s life is set on a path where he’s bounced between challenges and hardships. These include working in a bottle factory, attending boarding school and moving to his harsh aunt Betsey Trotwood’s (Tilda Swinton) country home – only for her later to lose her fortune.

As he endures these varied troubles, David seeks social status, romance and friendship. All the while, he holds tightly onto his longstanding ambition: to become a writer.

This funny take on a classic tale stars Oscar nominee Dev Patel (Hotel Mumbai, Chappie), three-time Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie (Veep, House) and Academy Award winners Tilda Swinton (Avengers: Endgame, Isle of Dogs, Doctor Strange) and Peter Capaldi (Christopher Robin, Doctor Who, Paddington 2). Director Armando Iannucci (The Death of Stalin, Veep, The Thick of It) brings his dark, satirical humour to Charles Dickens’s arresting story about a man’s development and ambitions throughout everything that life throws at him.

Cert: PG

Running time: 1hr 59mins