Anand Tucker's biopic is a moving study of sibling rivalry, based on the lives of Hilary (Griffiths) and world-renowned cellist Jackie Du Pre (Watson). From its starting point in the early '50s, Hilary&Jackie traces the sisters' closely linked lives until Jackie's phenomenal musical talent catapults her to international critical acclaim. The result is a growing split between the previously inseparable sisters, and the observant narrative also divides in order to give a double, emotionally-charged perspective on the story.
What makes this work so well are the two exceptional lead performances. Griffiths is excellent as the outshined sister, and Watson is superb as the lonely and eventually terminally ill musical prodigy. Beautifully scored and sensitively directed, this is a worthy and captivating drama.
