Meryl Streep was magnificent
I have often been critical of Meryl Streep's performances, although she is seldom bad, some of her performances can be overrated by critics and adoring fans. But in this film I thought her performance was absolutely masterful. She is so nuanced, so detailed - its one of her quieter performances, but she reveals everything in her eyes and face. The first shot of her looking into the mirror before she washes her hands - you see all the disappointment, the mundaneness of her existence. The scene where she finally breaks down in the kitchen was utterly utterly moving. She is MAGNIFICENT in this film. Not a vehicle powerhouse performane like Sophies Choice but she gives a much quieter and nuanced performance. Of all the three actresses, I believed her the most.
Nicole Kidman did wonderfully too, very brave move to take on a English heroine. But she did a great job in portraying both the prickly, wicked side of Virginia aswell as the vulnerable, genius too.
The only one of the three leads I wasn't so impressed by was Julianne Moore. It felt a little like a stepford wife caricature. Oscillating between crying and smiling, without really capturing any of the anguish of her everyday existence. Toni Collette in her brief appearance steals the scene from her.
All in all, a decently written, beautifully shot film lead by one very good performance (Kidman) and one great performance (Streep).