Is Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

📖 The Core Premise

With the release of Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain (2021), audiences are invited back into the world of Documentary. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "In November 1940, German bombers destroyed much of the city centre of Coventry and reduced the city's medieval cathedral to rubble. Just 22 years later, in May 1962, a new cathedral designed by Basil Spence was consecrated on the site. Built in a bold modern style, incorporating the ruins of the old cathedral and adorned with a wealth of modern artworks, Coventry Cathedral is recognised today as one of Britain's greatest postwar buildings. Using a wealth of rarely seen archive film, together with voices from yesterday and today, the film tells the story of the new cathedral and of the times in which it was created."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. Unfortunately, Pauline Black feels underutilized in a role that lacks depth. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Documentary. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

🤔 Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain worth your time? If you appreciate Documentary films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, Coventry Cathedral: Building for a New Britain misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 74 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.