The End of an Era: Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves Bring Emotional Reunion to National Theatre
David Eldridge's trilogy, Beginning, Middle, and now End, has come full circle with a poignant conclusion that poignantly overlaps its predecessors. The final play, which opened last week at the National Theatre in London, reunites Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves in their most intimate roles yet, rekindling memories of their iconic collaboration from decades past.
The trilogy follows different couples at successive stages of their relationships, but it's Eldridge's casting decision to reunite Owen and Reeves that gives End an extra resonance. Their on-screen chemistry, forged over 30 years ago in Stephen Poliakoff's Close My Eyes, is a masterclass in nuance and vulnerability.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the trilogy or haven't seen Close My Eyes, Eldridge's play takes place against the backdrop of one of Britain's most divisive periods – the Brexit vote. The memory of this turbulent time serves as a haunting counterpoint to Alfie and Julie's personal turmoil, which is expertly woven into the fabric of the play.
As Alfie struggles with his cancer diagnosis, Owen brings a depth to his character that's both heartbreaking and deeply human. Reeves, too, shines in her portrayal of Julie, whose own vulnerability and fear are palpable as she navigates this new chapter in their lives.
One scene in particular stands out – a rare and intimate sex scene between the two leads, which is both tender and evocative. This is not a film about explicit content; rather, it's a nuanced exploration of love, lust, and the complexities of human connection.
As we watch Alfie and Julie's relationship unfold on stage, we can't help but draw connections to our own experiences. The play is full of moments that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable – much like Poliakoff's Close My Eyes, which also explored themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human relationships.
Owen and Reeves' reunion in End is a testament to the power of great acting and the enduring legacy of their previous collaborations. Even as they move beyond their characters' iconic roles, their performances continue to feel eerily familiar – like revisiting old friends.
If you've seen Beginning or Middle, you owe it to yourself to experience End, not just for the powerful performances of its leads but also to witness firsthand how these two talented actors can evoke the ghosts of their previous work. The result is a play that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant – a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, relationships, and the human spirit.
End is currently showing at the National Theatre in London until 17 January.
David Eldridge's trilogy, Beginning, Middle, and now End, has come full circle with a poignant conclusion that poignantly overlaps its predecessors. The final play, which opened last week at the National Theatre in London, reunites Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves in their most intimate roles yet, rekindling memories of their iconic collaboration from decades past.
The trilogy follows different couples at successive stages of their relationships, but it's Eldridge's casting decision to reunite Owen and Reeves that gives End an extra resonance. Their on-screen chemistry, forged over 30 years ago in Stephen Poliakoff's Close My Eyes, is a masterclass in nuance and vulnerability.
For those who may be unfamiliar with the trilogy or haven't seen Close My Eyes, Eldridge's play takes place against the backdrop of one of Britain's most divisive periods – the Brexit vote. The memory of this turbulent time serves as a haunting counterpoint to Alfie and Julie's personal turmoil, which is expertly woven into the fabric of the play.
As Alfie struggles with his cancer diagnosis, Owen brings a depth to his character that's both heartbreaking and deeply human. Reeves, too, shines in her portrayal of Julie, whose own vulnerability and fear are palpable as she navigates this new chapter in their lives.
One scene in particular stands out – a rare and intimate sex scene between the two leads, which is both tender and evocative. This is not a film about explicit content; rather, it's a nuanced exploration of love, lust, and the complexities of human connection.
As we watch Alfie and Julie's relationship unfold on stage, we can't help but draw connections to our own experiences. The play is full of moments that feel both deeply personal and universally relatable – much like Poliakoff's Close My Eyes, which also explored themes of love, loss, and the fragility of human relationships.
Owen and Reeves' reunion in End is a testament to the power of great acting and the enduring legacy of their previous collaborations. Even as they move beyond their characters' iconic roles, their performances continue to feel eerily familiar – like revisiting old friends.
If you've seen Beginning or Middle, you owe it to yourself to experience End, not just for the powerful performances of its leads but also to witness firsthand how these two talented actors can evoke the ghosts of their previous work. The result is a play that feels both deeply personal and universally relevant – a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love, relationships, and the human spirit.
End is currently showing at the National Theatre in London until 17 January.
it's wild to think they've been working together for like 30+ years now. their chemistry is still so strong 
i mean, who doesn't love a good reunion story? anyway, i did watch close my eyes with them years ago and it was pretty memorable 
the fact that this trilogy tackles brexit and its effects on people's relationships is really interesting 
how do you guys think the play handles that topic? should be thought-provoking.
! I think Clive Owen and Saskia Reeves' reunion is pure magic 
. Their chemistry on screen is still undeniable after all these years, and it's like no time has passed at all. The way they portray Alfie and Julie's relationship is so raw and vulnerable – you can't help but feel for them 
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. And that intimate sex scene? Wow 
. It's not about explicit content, but about the complexities of human connection – so beautifully done.
. Even if you haven't seen the previous plays in the trilogy, End is still worth watching just for Owen and Reeves' performances. Trust me, it's a masterclass in acting 
.
it's not just about explicit content, it's about how love & lust can be so complicated & messy, you know? 
also, the way they're exploring themes of identity, community & politics in brexit times is really thought-provoking - i'm definitely going to catch this play when it comes around 
their chemistry on stage is still ON 
i loved how the play explored themes of love, loss, and human connection – so relatable! 
i also appreciated how they wove in elements of brexit into the story – it added a layer of complexity to the narrative 
overall, this play is a must-see – trust me, you won't regret it 
it's amazing how they still got that chemistry after all these years! the play seems so emotional & intimate, i wanna watch it ASAP 