Far from the Madding Crowd

Editor Reviews

• Adler Quinn

  Rating: 4

  4

  May 23, 2025

  Thomas Vinterberg, typically known for Dogme 95 films and intense dramas like The Hunt, might seem an unusual choice for a Thomas Hardy adaptation, but his take on Far from the Madding Crowd is a beautiful and grounded period romance. Carey Mulligan stars as the independent and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene, who inherits a farm and finds herself courted by three very different suitors: a loyal shepherd (Matthias Schoenaerts), a wealthy and lonely landowner (Michael Sheen), and a dashing but reckless sergeant (Tom Sturridge). The film captures the rugged beauty of the English countryside and the complexities of Bathsheba's choices. It's a compelling story about independence, desire, and finding one's path in life and love.

• Sam Rivera

  Rating: 4

  4

  April 16, 2025

  Thomas Vinterberg's 2015 adaptation of Thomas Hardy's Far from the Madding Crowd is a beautifully filmed and emotionally engaging story. Carey Mulligan shines as Bathsheba Everdene, a fiercely independent woman who inherits a farm and attracts the attention of three very different suitors. The film captures the beauty and harshness of the Dorset countryside, creating a sense of timelessness and authenticity. The performances are nuanced and compelling, exploring themes of love, loss, and female empowerment. A bit of trivia: the film was praised for its faithful adaptation of Hardy's novel, while also bringing a fresh and modern perspective to the story.